Promise of Nutrition

Overweight and obesity replaced undernutrition as a major public health challenge in the developing countries. Major changes in dietary patterns include increased use of processed carbohydrates, especially in the form of beverages, inexpensive vegetable oils and animal-based diet. Urbanization and advances of technology in developing countries resulted in reduction of physical activity and contributed towards obesity. Trans-fats found in most of the processed foods are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. The unfavorable dietary trends in developing countries were paralleled with decreased consumption of legumes, vegetables and whole grains. Cases with uncertified nutritionists are more common in developing than in developed countries. There has to be a national system with information of all certified nutritionists to prevent dissemination of wrongful dietary information with tragic consequences for the people with diabetes. Nutrition has to be part of the SDEP for all people with diabetes and prediabetes. Mediterranean and plant-based diet including whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, and nuts offer significant advantages in improvement of glycaemic control. Each developing country should publish a Guideline on Nutrition that would be communicated broadly to increase the public awareness on healthy diet.