Evaluation of Italian millet based diabetic mix in rural areas of Dharwad Taluka, Karnataka through Institution Village Linkage Programme (IVLP)

The cases of prevalence of diabetes and heart diseases are increasing alarmingly due to various factors. At present about 150 million people are affected by diabetes globally and in India the figure is 40 million. Various foods and herbs have been tested for management of diabetes of which millets have been widely tested and found successful. The evaluation of Italian millet based diabetic mix was carried out through the Institution Village Linkage Programme (IVLP) in rural areas of Dharwad Taluka of Karnataka. Based on the focus group discussion fifteen diabetic volunteers were selected for 6 months intervention study from Mugali, Madanabhavi and Hosatti villages of Karnataka. They were counselled regarding dietary modifications, medications, use of diabetic mix and preparation of millet recipes. The diabetics consumed 80 g diabetic mix per day for 6 months. The height, weight, random blood glucose, dietary practices were recorded before and after the intervention. The nutritional status of the diabetics improved as assessed by body mass index (BMI). Organoleptic evaluation showed high acceptability of the mix. After the intervention the normal glucose response was found in 60 per cent subjects compared to initial assessment of 20 per cent. Only 20 per cent subjects were categorised into impaired glucose tolerance and 20 per cent as diabetics. Thus Italian millet based mix helped to control glycemic responses of rural diabetics. About half of the subjects restricted the use of sugar, sweets, jaggery, rice and ghee. The foods specially included were jowar Nuchu, Roti, bitter gourd and fenugreek seeds.