Impact of food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional status on glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Fako Division, Cameroon

Betrand Ayuk Tambe; Solange Anige  Nkopi Nneh; Fabrice Tonfack  Djikeng; Thembekile  Dhlamin; Given  Chipili; Xikombiso Gertrude   Mbhenyane

doi:10.51745/najfnr.9.19.118-128

Impact of food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional status on glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Fako Division, Cameroon

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Nutrition, Metabolism, and Prevention of NCDs

DOI https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.9.19.118-128

Issue Vol. 9 No. 19 (2025): January - June, 2025

Submitted 2024-09-19

Accepted 2025-03-01

Published 2025-03-27

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Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a prevalent metabolic disease that has been increasingly recognized as a global health priority. However, the precise influence of food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional status on glycemic control among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains inadequately characterized.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the association between food security, dietary diversity, nutritional status, and glycemic control in adults diagnosed with T2DM undergoing treatment at Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals within the Fako Division, Cameroon.

Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to recruit individuals with T2DM from the aforementioned hospitals. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire, encompassing sociodemographic characteristics, food security status, dietary diversity, nutritional status, blood pressure measurements, and glycemic control assessments. Glycemic control was determined using a glucometer. Data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences version 27.0.

Results: The study revealed that 28.8% of respondents exhibited a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), while 41.1% were classified as overweight and 30.1% as obese. Additionally, 12.7% of household experienced food insecurity, compared to 87.3% who were food secure. A majority of respondents (77.9%) reported consuming a diverse diet (≥ 6 food groups), 19.1% consumed 4 – 5 food groups and only 3.0% exhibited a low dietary diversity score (1 – 3 food groups). Additionally, 77.9% of participants presented with poor fasting blood glucose levels, whereas 22.1% demonstrated good fasting blood glucose control. Participants residing in household with ≤ 4 family members were approximately two times more likely to exhibit poor fasting blood glucose compared to those residing in household with > 4 family members (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 1.83, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.02 – 3.28, p = 0.042). However, no significant associations were observed between food insecurity (p = 0.539), low dietary diversity (p = 0.854), high BMI (p = 0.782), fasting blood glucose levels (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The majority of individuals with T2DM in the study population were classified as overweight or obese, resided in food-secure households, and reported diverse dietary intake. Small family size was identified as a significant factor negatively impacting glycemic control among adult diabetic patients. Educational and dietary interventions aimed at improving nutritional status and blood glycemic control are recommended.

Keywords

Body mass index Food groups Food security Fasting plasma glucose

Betrand Ayuk Tambe

Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea PO Box 63, Buea. 2 Division Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. PO Box 241, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8000, South Africa
Solange Anige Nkopi Nneh

Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea PO Box 63, Buea
Fabrice Tonfack Djikeng

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buea, PO Box 63, Buea
Thembekile Dhlamin

Department of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. P.O Box 60, Pretoria, Gauteng, 0204
Given Chipili

Department of Nutritional Science, School of Applied Science and Technology, Mukuba University, P.O. Box 20382, Kitwe
Xikombiso Gertrude Mbhenyane

Division Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. PO Box 241, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8000

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Impact of food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional status on glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Fako Division, Cameroon. (2025). The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 9(19), 118-128. https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.9.19.118-128

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