Nutrient Intake among Overweight/Obese Hispanic Women Based on Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Status
Authors: Arias‐Gastelum Mayra , Lindberg Nangel M. , Rosales Ana G. , Petrovic Milena , LeBlanc Erin S. , Stevens Victor J. , Kapka Tanya J. , Meenan Richard T. , Vega‐López Sonia 
Published: November 2023

Background

Hispanic women are disproportionately affected by cardiometabolic disease risk factors and diabetes mellitus (DM). Thus, their diet is an important factor in chronic disease prevention and control strategies.

Objective

To characterize baseline nutrient intake among overweight/obese Hispanic women with or at risk for type 2 DM participating in De Por Vida, a culturally‐tailored weight loss intervention.

Methods

Baseline dietary data was collected using the Southwest Food Frequency Questionnaire based on the prior three months of intake. Nutrients and % Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) were compared based on participants’ DM diagnosis status: at risk for DM (At‐Risk; n=36; eligible based on history of gestational DM, hyperlipidemia or hypertension) or with an established pre‐DM/DM diagnosis (n=34).

Results

Among all participants, mean reported energy intake was 1694±901 kcal/d, with 52±8 %, 18±3 %, and 32±5 % coming from carbohydrate, protein, and fat, respectively. Among dietary fat, saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids provided 10±2 %, 13±2 %, and 6±1 % of energy, respectively; and among carbohydrates 19±6 % of energy was provided by sugars. Cholesterol intake was 314±243 mg/d. Participants exceeded recommendations for protein, carbohydrates and sodium with intakes at 170±97, 165±87, and 205±116 %DRI, respectively. Participants did not meet recommendations for calcium (93±52 %DRI), potassium (64±35 %DRI), vitamin E (48±26 %DRI), and vitamin D (68±54 %DRI). Relative to At‐Risk participants, those with pre‐DM/DM diagnosis were older (46±9 vs. 40±9 y, p=0.004), had a higher body weight (91±18 vs. 80±13 kg, p=0.004) and greater BMI (38±7 vs. 33±5 kg/m2, p<0.001). Energy intake was not different between groups (1577±860 kcal/d for pre‐DM/DM vs. 1805±936 kcal/d for At‐Risk, n.s.). Relative to At‐Risk participants, those with pre‐DM/DM diagnosis had lower intake of calcium (85±54 vs. 101±51 %DRI, p=0.041), zinc (140±100 vs. 168±92 %DRI, p=0.063), vitamin D (58±54 vs. 77±53 %DRI, p=0.034), vitamin B12 (243±297 vs. 309±335 %DRI, p=0.069), and folate (136±94 vs. 167±106 %DRI, p=0.099). Participants met or exceeded intakes of other nutrients, including dietary fiber, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate, with no significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

Participants, especially those with pre‐DM/DM, had inadequate intake of calcium, potassium, vitamin E and vitamin D, but in general consumed adequate amounts of other micronutrients and fiber. All participants reported high intakes of sodium, sugar, cholesterol, and solid fats, stressing the need to promote healthier eating patterns for chronic disease prevention and diabetes control. These findings highlight how important it is to develop programs targeting dietary quality improvement for Hispanic women with or at risk for developing DM.

Support or Funding Information

Funding source: NIH/NIDDK – 1R01DK099277.