Macro elements are the minerals of which the body needs more amounts and are more important than any other elements. Trace elements constitute a minute part of the living tissues and have various metabolic characteristics and functions. Trace elements participate in tissue and cellular and subcellular functions; these include immune regulation by humoral and cellular mechanisms, nerve conduction, muscle contractions, membrane potential regulations, and mitochondrial activity and enzyme reactions. The status of micronutrients such as iron and vanadium is higher in type 2 diabetes. The calcium, magnesium, sodium, chromium, cobalt, iodine, iron, selenium, manganese, and zinc seem to be low in type 2 diabetes while elements such as potassium and copper have no effect. In this review, we emphasized the status of macro and trace elements in type 2 diabetes and its advantages or disadvantages; this helps to understand the mechanism, progression, and prevention of type 2 diabetes due to the lack and deficiency of different macro and trace elements.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome varies widely by ethnicity and by the criteria used in its definition. OBJECTIVE: To identify the optimal cutoff values for waist circumference (WC)...

Dietary intake is an important risk factor that contributes to the development or prevention of many health conditions. The objective of the current study was to identify different dietary patterns and its relation to socio-demographic and life-style characteristics. A cross-sectional study of 299 Saudi adults, aged between 35-65 years without any significant health problems. Participants were interviewed individually and completed a pre-designed questionnaire with close-ended questions including socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Dietary intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were obtained by a trained nurse in the clinic. Factor analysis technique was used to derive different food patterns. Five dietary patterns were identified, namely: sweet & starch, date & coffee, healthy, traditional, and protein patterns. Following sweet & starch pattern was significantly correlated to male gender, frequently visiting fast food restaurants and breakfast consumption behavior. Adherence to healthy pattern was associated with male gender, higher education with high income, older adults, breakfast consumption behavior and high levels of physical activity. Traditional pattern was correlated with married subjects and male gender, whereas compliance to date & coffee pattern was related to reduced number of meals and snacks. The protein pattern was significantly associated with younger age and breakfast consumption behavior. Dietary patterns were influenced by socio-demographic characteristic (age, gender, marital status, education level, income) and other lifestyle factors (breakfast consumption, number of meals, physical activity). A national cohort study is needed to assess the association between dietary patterns with the risk of cardiometabolic dysregulation.

Introduction Carbohydrate counting (CC) is an important nutritional strategy to improve glycaemic outcomes among patients with diabetes. Few studies have investigated CC knowledge among individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate CC knowledge in Saudi adults with T1DM. Study design and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and February 2022, including 224 patients with T1DM from the University Diabetes Center, Riyadh. Adults aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with T1DM for >1 year, and residing in Saudi Arabia were included. CC knowledge was assessed using a previously well-studied tool (AdultCarbQuiz), which was translated into Arabic and tested for validity by a group of dieticians. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, and bivariate and regression analyses were conducted. Results The AdultCarbQuiz questionnaire-Arabic version had good validity and reliability (Cronbach’s α: 0.87). The CC method was used by 54% of the participants. The mean CC knowledge score was 23.01±7.31. A significant negative linear relationship between the participants’ CC knowledge scores, and age and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, was revealed by simple regression analysis. Furthermore, significant independent variables related to CC knowledge scores were CC use, HbA1c levels, being taught about CC (>5 times), insulin pump usage and DM duration (≤15 years). Conclusions Approximately half of the patients used the CC method. The mean CC knowledge scores were better in patients who used the CC method, were more frequently taught about CC, were treated using an insulin pump, and had a shorter DM duration than their counterparts. Therefore, designing and implementing a well-structured nutrition education programme tailored to individuals with diabetes is crucial to provide them with up-to-date dietary information, as well as the necessary knowledge and skills, to improve their outcomes and manage their condition.

To compare diabetes mellitus (DM) knowledge, risk perception, and health practices before and after a mass awareness program among Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A DM awareness program was conducted between November 2020 and February 2021 in three phases (total 13 weeks). The program comprised educational messages, short videos, virtual lectures, and peer-to-peer education. A total of 558 participants (before group, n = 360; after group, n = 198) were included in the study. Majority of the students had normal body mass index (BMI). The knowledge scores were significantly higher after the program (median 16, quartile range 13-18) than before (median 14, quartile range 12-16) (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in risk perception between the two groups (p > 0.05). In addition, increased moderate practice score and decreased poor practice score (p < 0.001) were observed. Factors influencing DM knowledge were higher education and awareness. Factors influencing health practices were higher BMI and knowledge after the program. DM awareness program improved DM knowledge and health practices among university students.