Endocrine Abstracts

A Western dietary pattern, characterized by high consumption of red and processed meat, soft drinks, refined grains, fats and sweets, has frequently been associated with an increased disease risk. However, the distinct association between the nutritional habits and prediabetes has only been scarcely investigated in Western populations. The aim of this study is to underline the relationship and suggest the possible causality between the two. We conducted descriptive survey and formulated specific questionnaire with which we collected the responses of 160 participants BMIs of participants are as follows: 15-18 are 6%; 19-25 are 42%; 26-30 are 22.7%; 30+ are 29.3%. Out of 160 participants 25% eat processed meat twice a week, 14.3% - once a week, 16.25% rarely, 3.12% never, 15.62% every day and 25.62% every other day. 21.9% of the participants consume dairy products everyday, 21.2% every other day, 38.4% twice a week, 8.6% once a week and 7.9% seldom, 2% - never. Regarding seafood 62.3% consumes less than one portion (100-150 grams) during the week, 23.2% consumes 1 portion, 11.3% 2 portions, 2% 3 portions and the remainder 2% more than 3 portions.4.6% of participants consume junk food every day, 25.8% every other, 29.8 % once a week, 8.6% more than once in a month, 18.5% once in a month and 12.6% don’t consume at all. About the fruit consumption 31.8% of the participants consume fruit everyday, 32.5% every other day, 17.9% twice a week, 9.3% once a week and 8.6 % seldom. As for portions (200 grams) of vegetables consumed in a day, 9.9% consume more than two portions of vegetables 16.6% 2 portions of vegetables, 38.4% consume one portion, and the remainder 35.1% consume less than one portion of vegetables. 41.7% state that they consume carbonated drinks often; 34.4% consume sometimes, 19.2% consume seldom, and 4.6% never. As for the desserts/pastries, 41.7% of participants consume it every day, 34.4% every other day, 11.3% consume twice a week, 6.6% - once in a week and 6% consume desserts seldom. Given results are suggestive that western dietary patterns (heavily carbonated drinks, processed meats, increased carbohydrates and fats) increase the likelihood of the development of prediabetes.