Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of vitamins, minerals and herbal products in individuals with type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 246 individuals with type 2 diabetes living in Izmir. Sociodemographic features, vitamin-mineral and herbal products use of participants were recorded with a questionnaire form. The body weight (kg) and height (cm) were measured, and the body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was calculated. Results: 74.0% (n=182) of participants were woman, 26.0% (n=64) were man, and the mean age was 54.68±8.62 years. While the proportion of those who used vitamins and minerals prior to COVID-19 was 36.6% (n=90), this ratio increased significantly during the COVID-19 process (52.4%; n=129; p<0.001). Vitamin D (before pandemic:19.1%, during pandemic: 32.0%) and magnesium (before pandemic: 3.7%, during pandemic: 8.5%) were identified as nutritional supplements whose utilization rate increased significantly during the pandemic (p<0.05). The use of herbal products increased significantly during the pandemic (82.1%; n=202) compared to before pandemic (75.6%; n=186) (p<0.05). The herbal products whose usage rate increased significantly during the pandemic were determined as ginger (before pandemic: 42.3%; during pandemic: 46.7%) and turmeric (before pandemic: 41.1%; during pandemic: 45.1%). While the participants’ mean BMI was 31.50±6.25 kg/m2 prior to pandemic, it decreased significantly and was found to be 31.02±5.99 kg/m2 during the pandemic (p=0.020). Conclusion: It was discovered that the use of vitamins, minerals, and herbal products was more common among type 2 diabetics during the pandemic period than before the pandemic, and that the body mass indexes of individuals with diabetes decreased during this process.

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