Dietary patterns and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among urban indigenous women in Fiji

The dietary patterns of indigenous Fijians are changing rapidly. Dietary re lationships in regard to the prevalence of diabetes are poorly studied in F iji. A survey was conducted to show the relationship of dietary patterns an d other lifestyle factors for the development of diabetes among urban indig enous 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 body fat measurements and g lycosuria tests were also conducted. The results showed high rates of obesi ty manifested in high percentage body fat, high body mass index (BMI) and h igh waist and hip ratio (WHR). The mean 24 h dietary intake exhibited a mod erate intake of protein, high intake of fat and a low intake of carbohydrat e. 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 coo king oil in frying varieties of flour products. The daily intake of anti-ox idant vitamins of Beta-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 mea t were the most frequently consumed protein foods. The main beverage was sw eet 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 b eing overweight and obese. Ceremonial dietary customs showed a high consump tion of meat and fish. Fruits were rarely consumed. Glycosuria existed amon g the age group under study. The impact of dietary transition, coupled with dietary excesses and physical inactivity, seem to be potential risk factor s of diabetes among the indigenous women in the urban area.