Incorporation of suitable nutrition in the management of diabetes: A case study

Title : Incorporation of suitable nutrition in the management of diabetes: A case study

Abstract:

Diabetes upsurge is closely linked to climate change due to environmental degradation, negatively impacting on agricultural production. Related lifestyle diseases include Hypertension and cancer. Diabetes is a pandemic, with huge economic burden, affecting close to 2.3 million people in Kenya, with 50% undiagnosed. In children, 55% are either mis-diagnosed or underdiagnosed. Most Diabetic cases (90%) are of type2. The good news is that type2 Diabetes could be reversed, with proper management involving ardent monitoring for blood sugar, appropriate and healthy nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change. Challenges include: Lipid cholesterol risk and glycemic control. Delving into this, a case study was done on a volunteer diabetic individual for blood sugar monitoring after the initial insulin injection. Limited precision drugs were prescribed accordingly and a rich mixed diet, as per the World Diet classification, consisting of fruits and vegetables, introduced, in addition to exercise.

Results from routine Monitoring for blood sugar stability, on a diabetic individual, incorporating mixed nutritious diets (Mediterranean and Indian) and exercise, showed reduction from high blood glucose reading of 8 to 5.4 mg/dL. The greatest positive impact from fruits and vegetables was achieved with the consumption of: Cucumber, Okra, Jew’s mallow and Crotolaria spp. separately or in combination, in the lowering of blood sugar level. The inclusion of honey, specifically the stingless bee honey, had an additive benefit as a lower glycemic index (GI) product, producing a steady rise in blood glucose instead of a spike, hence able to manage Diabetes type2.

Keywords: Diabetes, Lifestyle diseases, Monitoring, Blood sugar, Nutrition, Diet

Biography:

Grace Adala Asiko, holds a PhD Degree in Agricultural Entomology, obtained from the University of Nairobi in the year 2012 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Botany and Zoology, from the same University. She too has a Masters in Tropical Bees and Beekeeping in Tropical Climates, obtained in January 2004 from Utrecht University, Netherlands. She studied Geography as well. Dr. Asiko was employed by the Ministry of Agriculture, State Department of Livestock Production and rose through the ranks to Deputy Director of Livestock Production. She was appointed to Head the National Beekeeping Institute in Lenana-Nairobi in the year 2010, where her mandate included overseeing the functions of the institution, Policy formulation, training, research and innovation, in all aspects pertaining to the beekeeping industry. She authored and co-authored over 50 scientific publications and articles on Beekeeping and the Agricultural sector at large. She is a recipient of “Utumishi Bora Award” presented by Kenya Christian Professional Forum in 2017, for work Excellence, Research and Documentation, particularly in the area of Stingless Bee research. Dr Asiko, among others, earned and the Anglican Church of Kenya Stewardship Award, 2015. She has actively participated in several National and International Seminars and conferences and continues to attend educative webinars. She is passionate on professional presentations and student mentorship. Dr. Asiko, progressively positioned herself on the executive and technical advisory committees of re-known Professional organizations/societies: The Animal Production Society of Kenya, The Kenya Business and Professional Women, The Apiculture Platform of Kenya, The Kenya Pollinator Initiative and the Bee health committee, where she served with great zeal and commitment. She too, has taught at the University of Nairobi, on part-time basis.