A critical review of national diabetes prevention and control programs in 12 countries in Middle East.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus has been known as one of the most significant systemic diseases with severe consequences and challenges to human health. AIM: The primary aim of the current paper was to review the diabetes prevention programs in the Middle East countries, and secondary compare their goals and success rate and conclude possible upcoming strategies. METHODS: All reports and documents regarding to diabetes prevention and control programs in the region were collected by searching Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus and EMBASE for articles up to 2020. The health policy triangle framework was used to analyze diabetes policies and programs. In the Middle East, a shift from rural to urban life, socioeconomic development, sedentary lifestyles, and high fat and sugary foods consumption led to increasing in obesity and diabetes rate, which have become a real challenge. RESULTS: To decrease the burden of diabetes, preventive strategies with proper local socio-cultural context are needed. Evaluation of current policies and identifying stakeholders' views can help to improve the current strategies for the prevalence of diabetes and its complications. CONCLUSIONS: It can provide local and global insight to evidence-informed decision-making for future policy reforms to enhance effectiveness of the program.

Effect of Omega-3 PUFAs Supplementation with Lifestyle Modification on Anthropometric Indices and Vo2 max in Overweight Women.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that the recommendations of counteracting obesity advocate for changing lifestyle and physical activity habits, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 PUFAs supplementation with lifestyle modification on anthropometric indices and Vo2max in overweight women. METHODS: Fifty overweight women aged between 20 to 45 years were recruited in this interventional study. Women randomly were divided into two experimental groups (n = 25). Group 1 received omega-3 supplement, aerobic exercise program, and a healthy diet education. Group 2 was similar to group 1, except in that patients received placebo instead of omega-3 capsules. Experimental and placebo group subjects were asked to take one supplementary capsule every day, for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices were measured in the fourth and eighth weeks of the trial. The maximum aerobic capacity (Vo2max) was determined using a gas analysis device. The level of significance for comparing the results before and after the trial was considered at P < 0.05. RESULTS: According to the data, body weight, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and abdominal skinfold thickness significantly reduced in the omega-3 treated group compared to the control group during 8 weeks after the initiation of the study (P < 0.05). In addition, supplementation of omega-3, significantly improved the VO2max outcome compared to that of the control group (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: According to the results, it seems that omega-3 PUFAS supplementation with lifestyle modification has positive effects on anthropometric indices and Vo2max in overweight women.