Diet quality indices are associated with sleep and mental health status among diabetic women: a cross-sectional study

Eat Weight Disord. 2022 May;27(4):1513-1521. doi: 10.1007/s40519-021-01294-2. Epub 2021 Sep 4.

Abstract

Objective: Diabetes is a common chronic disease with many complications. Controlling these complexities may enhance the quality of life. This study was conducted to investigate the association between diet quality indices and sleep, stress, anxiety, and depression among diabetic women.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: A validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire was filled to assess the dietary intake and adherence to the diet quality indices. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and 21 items Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale were used to assess the sleep and mental disorders, respectively.

Participants: This study was conducted on 230 Tehrani women with type 2 diabetes.

Results: Patients who were in the top tertile of diet quality index consumed less fat, saturated mono-and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and sodium (P < 0.05). Participants who were in top tertile of diet quality indices consumed more fruits, and vegetables. Patients in the highest tertile of diet quality index-international had less risk of depression (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.07; 0.41), anxiety (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.16; 0.80), stress (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.04; 0.21), and poor sleep (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.04; 0.36). Patients in the highest tertile of healthy eating index-international had less risk of depression (OR: 0.06; 95% CI: 0.02; 0.21), anxiety (OR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.04; 0.26), stress (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.05; 0.26), and poor sleep (OR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.03; 0.20).

Conclusion: Patients with higher adherence to diet quality indices were likely less to have mental disorders or poor sleep.

Level of evidence: Level V: based on descriptive studies (a Cross-sectional study).

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Diabetic patients; Diet quality index; Healthy eating index; Sleep.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / complications
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Sleep
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders*