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Challenging Diabetes in Rural Areas : Aspects of Nutrition

Mphasha, Mabitsela H. and Stubbendorff, A. LU orcid (2025) p.1-23
Abstract
Diabetes is an escalating health concern affecting approximately 152.6 million people globally in rural areas, with a significant rise in low- and middle-income countries where over 75% of affected adults live. These populations face unique challenges, including delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and economic hardships, leading to severe complications such as cardiovascular disease and neuropathy. Rural regions also contend with healthcare professional shortages, inadequate diabetes education, and cultural misconceptions that hinder effective management. Proper nutrition is crucial in managing diabetes and minimizing the risk of late complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, neuropathy, and... (More)
Diabetes is an escalating health concern affecting approximately 152.6 million people globally in rural areas, with a significant rise in low- and middle-income countries where over 75% of affected adults live. These populations face unique challenges, including delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and economic hardships, leading to severe complications such as cardiovascular disease and neuropathy. Rural regions also contend with healthcare professional shortages, inadequate diabetes education, and cultural misconceptions that hinder effective management. Proper nutrition is crucial in managing diabetes and minimizing the risk of late complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, neuropathy, and retinopathy. By emphasizing balanced diets, careful carbohydrate management, and the inclusion of low glycemic index (GI) foods, individuals with diabetes can effectively control their blood sugar levels and improve overall health. However, barriers such as limited access to nutritious foods, economic constraints, and transportation difficulties persist. Solutions like community gardens, mobile grocery stores, and targeted nutrition education demonstrate potential. Incorporating cultural practices and telehealth services can further improve diabetes management. Comprehensive strategy involving community engagement, policy advocacy, and culturally tailored interventions is crucial for advancing diabetes care in rural areas. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
and
organization
publishing date
type
Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
publication status
published
subject
host publication
Handbook of Public Health Nutrition
editor
Preedy, Victor R. and Patel, Vinood B.
pages
1 - 23
publisher
Springer
ISBN
978-3-031-32047-7
DOI
10.1007/978-3-031-32047-7_73-1
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
0f1b2912-959b-4917-87b2-d4c474dc9c17
date added to LUP
2025-03-31 09:11:38
date last changed
2025-04-07 16:20:14
@inbook{0f1b2912-959b-4917-87b2-d4c474dc9c17,
  abstract     = {{Diabetes is an escalating health concern affecting approximately 152.6 million people globally in rural areas, with a significant rise in low- and middle-income countries where over 75% of affected adults live. These populations face unique challenges, including delayed diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and economic hardships, leading to severe complications such as cardiovascular disease and neuropathy. Rural regions also contend with healthcare professional shortages, inadequate diabetes education, and cultural misconceptions that hinder effective management. Proper nutrition is crucial in managing diabetes and minimizing the risk of late complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, neuropathy, and retinopathy. By emphasizing balanced diets, careful carbohydrate management, and the inclusion of low glycemic index (GI) foods, individuals with diabetes can effectively control their blood sugar levels and improve overall health. However, barriers such as limited access to nutritious foods, economic constraints, and transportation difficulties persist. Solutions like community gardens, mobile grocery stores, and targeted nutrition education demonstrate potential. Incorporating cultural practices and telehealth services can further improve diabetes management. Comprehensive strategy involving community engagement, policy advocacy, and culturally tailored interventions is crucial for advancing diabetes care in rural areas.}},
  author       = {{Mphasha, Mabitsela H. and Stubbendorff, A.}},
  booktitle    = {{Handbook of Public Health Nutrition}},
  editor       = {{Preedy, Victor R. and Patel, Vinood B.}},
  isbn         = {{978-3-031-32047-7}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{1--23}},
  publisher    = {{Springer}},
  title        = {{Challenging Diabetes in Rural Areas : Aspects of Nutrition}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-32047-7_73-1}},
  doi          = {{10.1007/978-3-031-32047-7_73-1}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}