Lako, Jimaima V. and Nguyen, V.C. (2001) Dietary patterns and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among urban indigenous women in Fiji. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 10 (3). pp. 188-193. ISSN 0964-7058
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Abstract
The dietary patterns of indigenous Fijians are changing rapidly. Dietary relationships in regard to the prevalence
of diabetes are poorly studied in Fiji. A survey was conducted to show the relationship of dietary patterns and
other lifestyle factors for the development of diabetes among urban indigenous women in Fiji. A sample of
200 Fijian women aged 30–39 who agreed to participate were interviewed by the use of semiquantitative food
frequency, 3 day-24 h recall study. Physical activity and ceremonial dietary customs were also taken into
consideration. Anthropometry included measurements of height, weight, waist and hip. Total percentage bodyfat
measurements and glycosuria tests were also conducted. The results showed high rates of obesity manifested in
high percentage bodyfat, high body mass index (BMI) and high waist and hip ratio (WHR). The mean 24 h
dietary intake exhibited a moderate intake of protein, high intake of fat and a low intake of carbohydrate. The
carbohydrate reduction was a result from the decline in consumption of traditional staples. Consumption of
cereals and related products favored the high intake of butter and margarine and also encouraged the use of
cooking oil in frying varieties of flour products. The daily intake of anti-oxidant vitamins of β-carotene and
vitamin E were low, however there was a high intake of vitamin C. The food frequency study revealed cassava,
bread and sugar were consumed daily as the main carbohydrate foods. Fish and meat were the most frequently
consumed protein foods. The main beverage was sweet tea with whole-cream milk. Butter, margarine, coconut
cream, cheap lamb flaps and cooking oil provided the main sources of fat. Levels of physical activity included
high sedentary lifestyles with a high rate of subjects being overweight and obese. Ceremonial dietary customs
showed a high consumption of meat and fish. Fruits were rarely consumed. Glycosuria existed among the age
group under study. The impact of dietary transition, coupled with dietary excesses and physical inactivity, seem
to be potential risk factors of diabetes among the indigenous women in the urban area.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Q Science > Q Science (General) R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Biological and Chemical Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Repo Editor |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Mar 2015 04:17 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Mar 2015 04:17 |
| URI: | https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/8158 |
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