Background and Purpose: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and abnormalities in insulin production. Apelin is associated with insulin resistance. According to the anti-diabetic properties of curcumin, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of curcumin and nano-curcumin intake on insulin resistance and serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), Apelin, and lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and VLDL) in T2DM rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Control, diabetic, diabetic treated with two doses of curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg) and diabetic treated with two doses of nano-curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg). Induction of T2DM was performed by intraperitoneal injection of Nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and Streptozotocin (45 mg/kg) in the fasting state. Rats received different doses of nano-curcumin and curcumin by gavage (daily) for 28 days. At the end of the intervention period, insulin resistance and serum levels of FBS, apelin and lipid profiles were measured. Results: Insulin resistance and serum levels of FBS, Apelin, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL were significantly decreased in diabetic rats treated with curcumin and nanocurcumin (p<0.05) so that nano-curcumin in reducing lipid profile is more effective than curcumin (P<0.05). Serum level of HDL in nano-curcumin groups was significantly higher than diabetic and curcumin groups (p<0.05). Also, with increasing insulin resistance, serum level of apelin increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: The therapeutic effects of curcumin and nano-curcumin were effective in decreasing insulin resistance, serum levels of FBS, apelin and lipid profile. The dose of 100 mg/kg nano-curcumin was more effective in reducing lipid profile.

Background Today, more than one billion people globally suffer from poverty and food insecurity. This study aimed to determine the severity of and factors related to household food insecurity in Zahedan, Southeastern Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 2,160 households between November 2014 and December 2015. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected through interviewing the household mothers. Household food security status was assessed through the USDA 18-item questionnaire. The data were analyzed using chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression model. Results Total food insecurity in the households investigated was 58.8%. There were significant associations (P < 0.001) between household food insecurity status and the socioeconomic status of the households, ethnicity, education, age, and employment status of the head of the household and the mother of the household. Discussion The results showed that more than half of the households examined suffer from food insecurity. Interventions to improve the food security status of people should be designed and implemented to improve people's knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to healthy eating and food preparation. People's access to healthy foods and knowledge of how to select healthy foods (especially on a limited budget) should also be improved.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. We aimed to determine the metabolic and clinical responses to Bunium Persicum (Black Caraway) supplementation in overweight and obese patients with T2DM. Methods: Participant recruitment took place in the diabetic clinic of Bu-Ali hospital in Zahedan. Due to the eligibility criteria, 60 participants were randomly placed into two groups, namely placebo (n = 30) and BP (n = 30). The supplementation was considered one 1000 mg capsule 2 times /day BP by meals (lunch and dinner) for 8 weeks. Physical activity levels, dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements [weight, height, and waist circumference], glycemic indices [fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin (FBI)], blood lipids [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c)], and serum nesfatin-1 level were determined. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Quantitative insulin sensitivity checks index (QUICKI), and Body Mass Index (BMI) were computed. Results: In comparison with placebo, BP significantly decreased FBG, HOMA-IR, and BMI (P < 0.05). The differences in the FBI, QUICKI, TG, TC, LDL, HDL, WC, and Nesfatin-1 were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: BP supplementation improved serum glucose indices and BMI among overweight and obese T2DM patients. Further trials are needed to confirm results.

Background: Nowadays, more than 1 billion people suffer from food insecurity worldwide. Food insecurity is recognized as an important determinant of health, and both food insecurity and diseases are public health concerns. This study aimed at determining the association between food insecurity and self-reported history of infectious and parasitic diseases among household mothers in Zahedan, southeast of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2160 households in Zahedan. Food insecurity of the households was assessed through USDA 18-item questionnaire. Demographic data and questions about history of infectious and parasitic diseases in mothers were collected through interviewing the mothers. The data were analyzed using chi-square test and logistic regression model. Results: Of the household mothers, 58.8% experienced food insecurity, 11.5% reported history of infectious diseases, and 1.1% experienced parasitic diseases in the last 3 months. After adjusting for the selected variables, a positive association was detected between food insecurity and history of infectious (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.66 -3.18) and parasitic diseases (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.07 -13.93) in mothers. Conclusions: Food security seems a controllable environmental factor that may cause some positive results in the fight against diseases. On the other hand, preventing and controlling infectious and parasitic diseases may in turn result in reduction of food insecurity.

Background: In recent decades, consumption of simple sugars has increased dramatically. This consumption contributes to development of health problems including insulin resistance and obesity. In this study, we investigated the effects of high concentrations of white sugar (WS) and brown sugar (BS) on serum concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin resistance, and body weight in albino rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, a group treated with 15% WS, and a group treated with 15% BS. Rats were given WS and BS by gavage (daily) for 42 days. At the end of the intervention period, serum level of BDNF, insulin resistance, and body weight were measured. Results: Body weight and insulin resistance were significantly increased in both WS and BS groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the WS-treated rats, serum level of BDNF decreased compared to that in BS-treated and control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Due to the adverse effects of consuming high levels of WS and BS on serum level of BDNF, insulin resistance, and body weight, high intakes of these sweeteners are not recommended.

Background : Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. We aimed to determine the effects of Bunium Persicum (BP) on serum glucose indices, lipid profile, and nesfatin-1 levels in overweight or obese T2DM patients. Methods : Participant recruitment took place in the diabetic clinic of Bu-Ali hospital in Zahedan. Based on the eligibility criteria, 60 participants were randomly divided into two groups, namely BP (n=30) and placebo (n=30). The supplementation was one 1000 mg capsule 2 times /day BP with meals (lunch and dinner) for 8 weeks. Bodyweight, waist circumference, serum nesfatin-1, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin (FBI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. Quantitative insulin sensitivity checks index (QUICKI), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were also calculated. Results : In comparison with placebo, BP significantly decreased FBS, HOMA-IR, and BMI (P<0.05). The differences in the FBI, QUICKI, TG, TC, LDL, HDL,WC and Nesfatin-1 were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion : BP supplement improved serum glucose indices and decreased BMI among overweight or obese T2DM patients; though, further trials are suggested to confirm results. Trial Registration : Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20181207041876N1, Registered 18/01/2019, https://irct.ir/trial/35752

Background: Food insecurity can affect health directly or indirectly through its impact on nutritional status. We aimed at determining the effects of nutrition education intervention on household food insecurity in Zahedan, southeast Iran. Methods: The study was conducted using multi-stage sampling method. The first stage was a cross-sectional investigation whereby 2,160 households were studied in Zahedan in 2015. The prevalence of food insecurity was determined and food-insecure households were identified. Household food security status was assessed through the 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module. In the second stage, based on the determined sample size of 150 households in each group, eligible households were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. Before the educational intervention, questionnaires including demographic and socioeconomic information were completed for both groups. Then, data analysis was performed and the intervention was conducted on the intervention group. Six months post-intervention, a final assessment was made by interviewing the two groups to complete demographic, socioeconomic, and household food security questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity in the 2,160 households was 58.8%. After the intervention, the number of food-insecure households diminished by 22% in the intervention group, and these households were assigned to the food secure category. After controlling the confounding variables, the educational intervention was significantly effective in reducing food insecurity score (P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings demonstrated the beneficial role of nutritional education and the skills of resource management in modifying nutritional behaviors and improving food security in the study population.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. We aimed to determine the effects of Bunium Persicum (BP) on serum glucose indices, lipid profile, and nesfatin-1 levels in overweight or obese T2DM patients.Methods: Participant recruitment took place in the diabetic clinic of Bu-Ali hospital in Zahedan. Based on the eligibility criteria, 60 participants were randomly divided into two groups, namely BP (n=30) and placebo (n=30). The supplementation was one 1000 mg capsule 2 times /day BP with meals (lunch and dinner) for 8 weeks. Bodyweight, waist circumference, serum nesfatin-1, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin (FBI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. Quantitative insulin sensitivity checks index (QUICKI), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and Body Mass Index (BMI) were also calculated.Results: In comparison with placebo, BP significantly decreased FBS, HOMA-IR, and BMI (P<0.05). The differences in the FBI, QUICKI, TG, TC, LDL, HDL, WC, and Nesfatin-1 were not significant (P>0.05).Conclusion: BP supplement improved serum glucose indices and decreased BMI among overweight or obese T2DM patients; though, further trials are suggested to confirm results.Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), IRCT20181207041876N1, Registered 18/01/2019, https://irct.ir/trial/35752