ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LIFESTYLE HABITS AND RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS AT AL-BERUNI INSTITUTE OF NURSING AND ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES, HYDERABAD

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a rising global health concern, with increasing evidence suggesting that lifestyle factors—including diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior—are primary determinants of metabolic health. As future healthcare professionals, nursing students are a population of particular interest, as they are exposed to both the academic knowledge of diabetes risk factors and the high-stress environment of clinical training.

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between lifestyle habits and the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among undergraduate nursing students at the Al-Beruni Institute of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Hyderabad.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April 11 to April 15, 2026. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, anthropometry, lifestyle habits, and health practices. Out of a target population of 300 students, a sample size of 115 participants was achieved (67.6% response rate). Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-Square tests utilized to evaluate associations.

Results: The mean BMI of the study participants was 23.28 kg/m² (SD ±7.70). The results indicated a significant "knowledge-practice gap," where students exhibited high levels of sedentary behavior (>6 hours of sitting/day) and frequent fast-food consumption despite their clinical education. A statistically significant association was found between diet control practices and diabetes risk indicators ($\chi^2 = 10.987, df = 2, p = .004$), reinforcing the critical role of nutritional management in metabolic health.

Conclusion: While the cohort generally presented with a healthy mean BMI, the prevalence of poor dietary habits and sedentary behavior indicates an elevated risk for metabolic health issues. These findings emphasize the necessity for institutional lifestyle interventions, including the integration of "Self-Care for Healthcare Providers" into the nursing curriculum to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional health practices.