Dietary Intake and Metabolic Control of Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Aged 6-10 Years in KwaZulu-Natal

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the dietary intake and metabolic control of children with type 1 diabetes. Design: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out. Subjects: A total of 30 subjects whose ages ranged from six to ten years were included in the study. Setting: The study was conducted at the Paediatric Diabetic Clinics at Grey's Hospital; Pietermaritzburg and Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH); Durban; in KwaZulu-Natal. Outcome measures: Dietary intake was assessed using a three-day dietary record. Metabolic control was assessed using glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Results: The mean percentage contributions of macronutrients to total energy as determined by the three-day dietary records were as follows: carbohydrate - 52; added sucrose - 2; protein - 16; fat - 32. The mean intakes were similar to the recommendations of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Consensus Guidelines (2002). Micronutrient intake was generally adequate. The mean latest glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) for the sample as at the time of the study was 9.7. Five of the thirty subjects had HbA1c values that were within the recommended levels for children with type 1 diabetes. Conclusions: The macronutrient intake in this sample was found to be similar to the ISPAD Consensus Guidelines (2002) while micronutrient intake was adequate in most cases. Overall the sample had poor metabolic control

Are South African Women Willing and Able to Apply the New Food-Based Dietary Guidelines? Lessons for Nutrition Educators

"Background :Consumer testing was a prime consideration in developing specific South African food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) which were nationally adopted in 2003.Objectives This study aimed to determine the consumer's ability to apply the FBDGs appropriately; in terms of identifying foods/drinks according to the FBDG food categories; perceived importance of and barriers to applying each FBDG; and planning a typical day's meals to reflect the FBDGs. Design A cross-sectional study of 333 women from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Setting KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa. Methods Data collection comprised focus-group discussions (n = 103) and structured individual interviews (n = 230). Results The identification of foods/drinks according to the FBDG food categories reflected a high level of comprehension by participants of these food categories. Participants from all study samples endorsed the importance of applying the FBDGs; predominantly for health reasons. Participants cited barriers to the application of the FBDGs as affordability; availability; household taste preferences; routine food-purchasing habits; time constraints; traditional/ habitual food-preparation methods; and persistent attitudes. Only three FBDGs were mentioned as difficult to apply; namely; ""fruits/ vegetables""; ""foods from animals"" and ""legumes"". Meal plans did reflect the FBDGs; illustrating the flexibility of their use across cultural and socio-economic differences. Conclusions Consumer testing of the FBDGs was mainly positive. The study has highlighted areas of confusion regarding certain concepts; terminology and misconceptions; and has identified barriers to application. These concerns can be addressed through the reformulation and retesting of certain dietary guidelines; and the provision of explanatory consumer information and health-worker training materials."