/library/oar/handle/123456789/43121 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:03:56 GMT 2025-12-24T18:03:56Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/111308 Title: The impact of physical activity in glycaemic control of type 2 diabetic adults amongst the Maltese population Abstract: Type 2 diabetes is one of the major causes of disability and death in Malta due to the complications accompanying this disease. For the well-being of the patient, and from a public health perspective, the development of effective intervention strategies is essential in order to reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its resulting complications. For the patient, and for society at large, early intervention programmes are beneficial especially from a cost benefit perspective. Physical activity has been considered by many international studies as having major influence on delaying the complications of diabetes due to its impact on the metabolic system. Exercise training also improves many other physiological and metabolic abnormalities that are associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus such as lowering body fat, reducing blood pressure and normalising dyslipidaemia. In Malta however, research about the subject had not been carried out prior to this study. The findings of the present study may be used to help plan a more effective health promotion and education campaign with a view of reducing complications caused by Type 2 diabetes. Since physical activity has been shown in prospective studies to protect against the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, physical training programmes suitable for individuals at risk for Type 2 diabetes should be incorporated into the medical care system to a greater extent to help improve glycaemic control in people. Thirty-four persons with type 2 diabetes took part in a seven-month exercise programme. Data collection from the Intervention Group was a continuous process throughout the exercise programme and a questionnaire was also administered at the end of the exercise sessions. The findings from this study support those of international studies: that exercise improves glycaemic control, reduces weight and lowers lipid levels. Increased attendance for exercise was reflected in increased reduction of HbA 1 c, which is an indicator for improved glycaemic control. Recommendations for further studies will be suggested to investigate the effectiveness of dietary restriction and exercise. Description: M.SC.PUBLIC HEALTH Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/111308 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/43379 Title: A new approach to the management of weight problems in a primary health care setting. Abstract: Obesity has over the past few decades become a global public health problem and in Malta there is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults as indicated by the WHO MONICA study carried out in 1984. The aims and objectives of this research were to determine the prevalence of weight problems of doctors and nurses working in the Maltese governmental Primary Health Care Department by means of a questionnaire; to look at their general health, dietary habits and lifestyles; to assess their awareness of weight problems, prejudice, positive and negative attitudes and to analyze their comments and suggestions and to make recommendations on how to increase the involvement of primary care professionals in dealing with weight problems. Deficiencies in relation to training and communication skills of doctors and nurses were also explored together with suggestions for dealing with these problems. The study population consisted of one hundred and fifty one doctors and nurses working at all the Health Centres in Malta, within the Primary Health Care Department. Besides answering a questionnaire, the study population had measurements of height and weight recorded by means of a stadiometer; the body mass index (BM I) could therefore be calculated. The waist circumference was measured in centimeters, by means of a standard tape measure and in fifty five individuals skinfold thicknesses were measured with calipers to estimate body fat percentage. The results showed that there was a moderately high prevalence of overweight and lower grades of obesity in doctors and nurses, especially in males. Although the study subjects knew what constituted a healthy diet, their irregular and long working hours made it difficult for them to maintain a healthy weight, this being exacerbated by a general lack of physical exercise. The risk of developing three main complications of excess weight: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and coronary vascular disease was assessed using each subject's 8M I and waist circumference. In general, males from all categories had the highest disease risk whilst in females, risk, although present, was not so pronounced except for female nursing officers, due to their sedentary jobs. A training deficit and poor communication skills were found to be present as regards the management of patients with weight problems in both doctors and nurses. Special training courses in weight management were recommended by the majority of these healthcare professionals. The idea of setting up of 'Weight Management Clinics' at the Primary Health Care level was well supported by the great majority of doctors and nurses. These clinics, which would be a new innovation, in the Maltese governmental Primary Health care setting, would comprise a team consisting of a physician specialized in dealing with overweight and obesity, a nurse, a nutritionist, an exercise physiologist and a psychologist. This team would receive referrals of patients with excess weight problems, from both the primary and the secondary health care spheres in Malta. A holistic approach to the management of these patients would then be guaranteed which would result in successful weight reduction and healthy weight maintenance throughout life. Description: M.SC. PUBLIC HEALTH Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/43379 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z