P121 Nutrition-Related Recommendations and Dietary Habits Following Diabetes Diagnosis: Findings From the 2015 Kenya STEPS-Survey

Background Health care in low- and middle-income countries continues to focus on reducing under-nutrition despite the increasing prevalence of overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an emerging NCD in Kenya, however research on nutrition-related recommendations and behaviors following diagnosis is limited. Objective To identify nutrition-related recommendations provided by Health Care Professionals (HCP) to DM patients, and identify dietary behaviors following diagnosis. Study Design, Settings, Participants A cross-sectional study was conducted among 4,500 Kenyan adults (18-69 years) participating in the 2015 Kenya STEPwise approach to surveillance study (STEPS) sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). Measurable Outcome/Analysis Participants’ eight hours fasting blood glucose (FBG) values were measured. The following variables were created using FBG values to define DM status according to ADA recommendations: normal =  Results 10.2% and 2.4% of the participants presented with FBG values indicative of prediabetes and DM respectively. Fourty-four percent of the individuals presenting with DM reported that they had not received a formal diagnosis by a HCP. 40%, 43%, and 76% of participants who had received a formal diagnosis stated that they had not been advised to limit intake of refined sugar, eat five servings of fruit/vegetables a day, and reduce alcohol consumption respectively. Although 75% of those diagnosed with DM believed lowering sugar in the diet was ‘very important’, about 28% reported that they did not limit sugary drink consumption and 14% consumed processed foods high in sugar at most meals, or every week. Conclusion Despite the increasing DM prevalence and diagnosis in Kenya, many remain undiagnosed. Health care improvements warrant the need for increased prevention methods and dietary guidance following diagnosis. Funding None.