Archives

Background: With rising trend in diabetes and non communicable diseases and changing diet and
lifestyles, it is important to understand food anthropology especially the “EMIC” views – perceptions of
the subjects regarding the medical nutritional therapy, especially the use of fiber and antioxidant rich
millet in their diets and the factors which prevent them from their use.
Aim: The present study was a cross sectional study on the profile of Diabetics focusing on the “EMIC
“views on knowledge, perceptions and use of millets.
Methods and material: Free living confirmed diabetics were enrolled from two diabetic clinics of Pune,
Maharashtra after necessary permissions and consent. Baseline data on the background information on
the diabetic subjects and data on food anthropology focusing on “EMIC” views on millets were elicited
using a semi structured questionnaire.
Results: The results revealed that out of the total 111 subjects, 69 % had diabetes only and 31% had
diabetes and hyperlipidaemia both. Family history was seen in 77% of the total subjects. Stress before the
onset of NCD was prominently reported by 73% men. Prevalence of disease condition was more among
sedentary workers (66%), though the difference was not significant. The subjects had poor knowledge
about various millets of India except pearl millet (bajra) and sorghum (jowar) and their role as MNT for
diabetics as well as their glycemic index information. Millet consumption was found to be independent of
all SES parameters and their place of residence (millet producing area) or availability of millets.
Conclusion: The study reveals that diabetics are not able to follow the regime of usage of millets though
are aware of its health benefits. There is a need to propagate traditional easily acceptable millet based
recipes among them as a part of their MNT.
Keywords: food anthropology, Emic views, Diabetics, Millet consumption patterns.