Effectiveness Of Dietary Habits Changes And Aerobic Exercise On Constipation Relief Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Constipation management is still challenging among health care providers related to its complex etiology. However, 25% of patients with diabetes mellitus experience gastrointestinal problems and among them, 60% suffer from constipation, this may be directly associated with diabetic interopathy, dietary habits changes, medication and comorbidity. 

The aim of study: to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary habits modifications and aerobic exercise on constipation relief among patients with diabetes mellitus

Methods: Randomized Controlled Trails (RCT) deign has been applied on participants; a purposive sample (non probability sample) for 58 participants who were randomly assigned for two groups (experimental and control) by using block randomization. Then the program which consists of dietary habits modifications and aerobic exercise has applied for four weeks (pre test – post test).

Results: the study result indicate improvement in constipation symptoms and highly significant difference between experimental and control group at post test (p. value = 0.00 HS).

 Conclusion: dietary habits modification like increased dietary fibers to (25-38 g/d) and water intake (about 2L/d) in combined with aerobic exercise can relief constipation and significantly improve bowel movement for patients with diabetes mellitus.

Recommendations:

The health care providers should focus on dietary improvement and physical activity such as aerobic exercise when dealing with diabetic patients who suffer from constipation by educating them about the role of both physical activity and dietary modification in relieving constipation