Beatrice Nyanchama Kiage’s research while affiliated with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and other places

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), is a life-threatening condition of global public health concern. It worsens in the presence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a complex disorder characterized by co-occurrence of at least three of such factors as hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. However, lifestyle interventions reduce the risk of both MetS and T2D, and nutrition education can empower individuals on the appropriate, lifestyle changes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of a nutrition education programme, with and without inclusion of peer to peer support, on MetS in T2D patients. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups and one control. One of the intervention groups involved a nutrition education programme with peer-to-peer support (NEP); the other involved only the education program, while the control received standard care. Each group had 51 participants. The nutrition education programme was conducted for 2 h per week for 8 weeks. In addition, the NEP had weekly peer-to-peer interactions for 8 weeks. All groups had follow-up sessions for 6 months. Data on MetS risk factors as well as food intake patterns and physical activity levels were taken at baseline and at different time points during the study. Analysis of Co-variance and regression were used in the analysis. Results: The MetS prevalence improved in the NEP (90 to 52%) and NE (86 to 69%), while it worsened in C (88 to 91%). There was improvement in the mean values of the anthropometric parameters in the NEP and NE which worsened in the control group. There was a general improvement in mean values of blood lipids, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in all the groups, with NEP showing the greatest improvements, followed by NE, except for triglycerides and HDL where the control group had better improvement than the NE. Changes in the anthropometric and metabolic indicators mirrored the changes in food intake patterns and physical activity, where the greatest improvements occurred in the NEP. Conclusions: Nutrition education with inclusion of peer to peer support was of clinical benefit in improving metabolic outcomes and reducing MetS in T2DM patients. Trial registration: The study has been registered retrospectively by Pan African Clinical Trial Registry; Registration No: PACTR201910518676391.

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are currently consumed by varied populations as superfoods due to their protective, functional and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ground chia seeds/extracts on postprandial glycaemia, body weight, hematological parameters and cellular morphology in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were assigned into three experimental groups and a control (n =5). Each experimental group received 10 g/20 g fructose/lard. Additionally, 90 g rat pellet was fed to group 1 and 3 which was supplemented with 20 g chia seed extract, group 2 received ground chia seeds only. Control group received 90 g rat pellet only for 28 days. The results on body weight changes indicated a gradual increase in body weight of chia seeds/extract fed rats as compared to fructose/lard group. There was an increase in postprandial blood glucose levels in group 1 from week I to IV contrary to groups supplemented with chia seeds/extract. Complete blood counts showed a significant increase (p = 0.008) in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, basophils (p = 0.035), platelets (p = 0.025) and red cell distribution width (p = 0.008) in experimental groups compared to control. These results pinpoint the benefits of chia seeds.

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus; a chronic disorder characterized by poor glycemic control, is a life threatening condition of global public health concern which worsens in the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated risks. However application of lifestyle intervention may reduce this risk. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of nutrition education programme with inclusion of peer to peer support on MetS and Mets risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patient. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups and one control. The intervention groups included nutrition education peer to peer support group (NEP) (n=51) and nutrition education group (NE) (n=51) which participated in an eight week (2 h per week) group nutrition education sessions and follow-up sessions for six month. The NEP in addition had a peer to peer support component on weekly basis for the eight weeks of training and monthly support for six months. The control group (C) (n 51) received standard care. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted using analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA). Results: Differences in MetS were -38.1 and -31.7% (P<0.01) at 6 months in the NEP group as per Harmonized and WHO criteria respectively. Significant improvement was seen in number of participant achieving recommended waist circumference; WC (33.9 %) and high density lipoprotein; HDL (35.2%) in the NEP group and blood pressure; BP (reduction by 39.2 and 31.6) as per harmonized and WHO criteria respectively in the NE group. six month post intervention Statistical mean change was also noted six month post intervention in; weight lost (-6.26kg), BMI (-2.37 kg/m²), waist hip ratio; WHR (-0.03), WC (-14.51 cm) and HDL (+0.34mmol/l in the NEP group and diastolic blood pressure; DBP (-5.17 mmhg) in the NE group. Comparison of the NEP and NE with control showed that NEP and NE had better outcome. Conclusions: Nutrition education with inclusion of peer to peer support was of clinical benefit in reducing metabolic outcomes and MetS in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patient. Optimal goal setting and self-effective training could benefit future nutrition education programmes with peer to peer support component for people with Type 2 Diabetes and at risk of Mets.

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), is a life-threatening condition of global public health concern. It worsens in the presence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a complex disorder characterized by co-occurrence of at least three of such factors as hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. However, lifestyle interventions reduce the risk of both MetS and T2D, and nutrition education can empower individuals on the appropriate lifestyle changes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of a nutrition education programme, with and without inclusion of peer to peer support, on MetS in T2D patients. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial with two intervention groups and one control. One of the intervention groups involved a nutrition education programme with peer-to-peer support (NEP); the other involved only the education program, while the control received standard care. Each group had 51 participants. The nutrition education programme was conducted for 2h per week for 8 weeks. In addition, the NEP had weekly peer-to-peer interactions for 8 weeks. All groups had follow-up sessions for 6 months. Data on MetS risk factors as well as food intake patterns and physical activity levels were taken at baseline and at different time points during the study. Analysis of Co-variance and regression were used in the analysis. Results: The MetS prevalence improved in the NEP (90% to 52%) and NE (86% to 69%),while it worsened in C (88% to 91%). There was improvement in the mean values of the anthropometric parameters in the NEP and NE which worsened in the control group. There was a general improvement in mean values of blood lipids, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in all the groups, with NEP showing the greatest improvements, followed by NE, except for triglycerides and HDL where the control group had better improvement than the NE. Changes in the anthropometric and metabolic indicators mirrored the changes in food intake patterns and physical activity, where the greatest improvements occurred in the NEP. Conclusions: Nutrition education with inclusion of peer to peer support was of clinical benefit in improving metabolic outcomes and reducing MetS in T2D patients.

Background Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is becoming one of the most popular plant-based foods that contains the greatest amount of nutrients particularly omega-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid. Therefore, it is considered a functional food with pronounced health benefits. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the proximate composition, minerals, fatty acid profiles and phytochemical contents of chia seeds grown in East Africa (Kenya and Uganda). Methods Official methods of analysis, 2005 were adopted, minerals determined by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, phytochemicals were determined by standard methods and fatty acid profiles were analyzed by Gas chromatography. Results Proximate composition indicated high contents of protein, fat and fiber. The fatty acid profiles revealed great amounts of α-linolenic acid (45.29-56.99 %) followed by linoleic acid (15.9-20.28%) and oleic acid (6.88-11.58%). However, the difference in content of α-linolenic acid between samples was not significant (p = 0.7391). Mineral determination (mg/100g) showed high contents of potassium (492.96-862.98), phosphorous (486.45-569.45), calcium (297.47- 429.09) and magnesium (192.22-202.97) while considerable amount was observed for iron, zinc, manganese and copper. There was a significant difference (p = 0.0001) in mineral content between black chia Molo and white chia Bukembo with exception of phosphorous. Conclusion Both black and white chia seeds grown in East Africa, observed to have high amounts of α-linolenic acid, proteins, fats, fiber and minerals. These findings support the evidence that chia is rich in nutrients that are beneficial to human health. Therefore, we suggest its incorporation in diets as a healthy food ingredient.