Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Submission Date

4-22-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (BSHN)

First Mentor

Andrea Charvet, Ph.D., RDN, LDN

Keywords

Type 2 Diabetes, Diabetes, MedDiet, Mediterranean Diet, Diet, Teens, Young Adults

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition affecting roughly 422 million people worldwide. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that occurs when there are elevated blood sugar levels for long periods of time which could lead to damage within the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, eyes, and nervous system. T2D occurs due to the body’s resistance to insulin or insufficient production of insulin. T2D is prevalent among adults, but as time continues, a larger number of teens/young adults are being diagnosed with this condition. As research advances, there is evidence that indicates pharmacological treatments can be used to positively affect T2D. Nutritional intervention is one of the alternatives on the rise, specifically the Mediterranean Diet. It consists of mostly plant-based eating, including whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans), nuts, and olive oil. Fish is normally consumed in this diet as the main source of protein. The objective of this study is to determine if the Mediterranean Diet will be an effective method to help with T2D in teens/young adults, specifically the age group 13-22, by lowering their blood glucose levels, A1C, and BMI. The study will be performed as a cohort study over two years with a sample size of approximately 100 people, and would be found through a pediatric doctor’s office to find those who have T2D and those who have been flagged as at risk. Written parental consent forms will be given to participants under the age of 18, while those above the age of 18 will be given participant consent forms. Each participant will be asked to adhere to the Mediterranean diet for two years, having check-ins every three months for the first year and then every six months for the last year. These check-ins will monitor the participants' progression or changes in their T2D biomarkers, blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1C, BMI, and adherence to the MedDiet. We expect the results to show that adherence to a MedDiet will result in lowered blood glucose levels, A1C, and BMI in teens/young ages aged 13-22 with T2D. Having this data will help build guidelines for young adults at risk or who have T2D.

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