Guidelines for adults at high risk of developing diabetes have been developed. It is expected that improvements in eating habits can help with diabetes prevention and weight management.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 18th that it has developed a "customized nutrition management guide" to aid the dietary needs of adults at risk of diabetes.
The number of chronic disease patients with diabetes and hypertension is recently increasing in South Korea. According to the Korean Diabetes Association, the prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 30 and older was 16.7% in 2020, a 2.2% increase from 14.5% the previous year. Compared to 2015, when it was 10.4%, this marks a 3.9% increase. The population at the pre-diabetes stage that could develop into diabetes is approximately 14.97 million, accounting for nearly one-third of the total population in the country.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety collaborated with the Korean Society of Clinical Nutrition to analyze dietary habits and behaviors of 194 individuals at the pre-diabetes stage using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey. They established meal guidelines and nutrition management programs according to diabetes risk and nutritional indices. The guidelines serve as a sort of roadmap for health management before the onset of diabetes, providing meal instructions and shopping methods utilizing nutritional information found on food labels.
For those aged 19 to 34, it is recommended to reduce late-night snacks, fast food, and convenience meals, and to drink water instead of sweetened beverages. If the diabetes risk type falls under "high diabetes risk and urgently needs dietary improvement," it is advisable to use the proposed nutrition management education program to promote balanced eating habits.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reported that among 194 individuals at the pre-diabetes stage, about 40% observed improvements in blood sugar levels after utilizing the guide over an 8-week period.
Along with the guidelines, operation manuals for the nutrition management education program were distributed to senior welfare facilities and health centers. A "sugar content information book for processed foods" that provides easy access to the sugar content of food has also been made available for anyone concerned about diabetes management.
The guidelines, education programs, and information book are available for anyone to view on the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's website.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety noted, "We will do our best to create an environment where the public can practice healthy eating habits in the future."