Dietary Diversity and its Association with Nutritional Status, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Food Choices of Adults at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa, the nutrition transition has led to unhealthy diets lacking variety, contributing to the rise in overweight, obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Using baseline screening data of the South African Diabetes Prevention Programme (SA-DPP) study, this study aims to determine the relationship of dietary diversity (DD) with nutritional status, cardiometabolic risk factors and food choices of adults at risk of type 2 diabetes in resource-poor communities around Cape Town. Data of 693 adults, 25–65 years old were analysed. This included socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements, biochemical assessments, food groups consumed the previous day and consumption frequency of certain foods to reflect food choices. The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator was calculated; 70.4% of participants had low DD (<5 food groups). Low DD was associated with elevated serum triglycerides [AOR: 1.49, 95% CI (1.03, 2.15) p = 0.036]. The DD score was positively correlated (although weak) with the unhealthy food score (r = 0.191, p = 0.050) and sugary food score (r = 0.139, p < 0.01). Study participants at risk of diabetes consumed a diet low in DD; however, DD was not associated with nutritional status or cardiometabolic risk factors except for serum triglycerides.

Dietary diversity associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases among community-dwelling older people: A national health examination survey from Thailand

“…In this study, DDS also had a negative association with the TG level. This association is consistent with the findings of previous studies in different settings ( 16 , 48 , 49 ). A study among older people residing in a rehabilitation centre found a negative association between DDS and TG levels ( 48 ).…”

“…A study among older people residing in a rehabilitation centre found a negative association between DDS and TG levels (48). This association is also observed in people with at risk of diabetes or pre-diabetes (16,49). However, the prior study conducted among Han and Tibetan older highlanders in China reveals a different conclusion.…”

“…Previous studies have examined the relationship between DD and CVD; however, the results are still inconclusive (12). Although many previous studies have found the negative associations between DDS and the risk of CVD, diabetes mellitus (DM), and abnormal lipid profile (13)(14)(15)(16), other studies could not show the significant associations (17). Furthermore, the majority of these studies have primarily focused on the middle-aged population rather than older people (12).…”

The influence of nutrition knowledge, attitude, practices, and dietary diversity on obesity among market women in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana: A cross‐sectional study

“…This is very worrying because DDS is an indicator of macro and micro nutrients sufficiency, which is required for optimal growth and good health. 27 From Madlala et al, 40 There was significant association between knowledge in nutrition and all body composition parameters; body fat (p = 0.004), BMI (p = 0.001), and WHR (p < 0.001), and visceral fat (p = 0.008). Brien and Davies 43 presented no significant correlation between levels of knowledge and BMI, Yahia et al 44 presented a negative correlation between NK and fat and cholesterol intake.…”

Potential Benefits of Selenium Supplementation in Reducing Insulin Resistance in Patients with Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Most individuals diagnosed with CMDs also experience additional cardiometabolic risks, including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and thrombosis [2]. Unhealthy diets and accelerated population aging have resulted in an annual increase in the prevalence and mortality of CMDs, which places a significant economic burden on the healthcare systems of various countries [3,4]. Studies have shown that these metabolic disorders may be influenced by nutrition.…”