A CORRELATIVE STUDY OF RED MEAT CONSUMPTION AND CARDIO METABOLIC RISK FACTORS IN YOUNG AND AGED FEMALE PATIENTS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

Background:Type 2 diabetes and obesity have reached epidemic proportions all over the world. Women will account for the majority of diabetic cases by the year 2050. Effect of age on Cardio-metabolic risk factors in red meat consuming female type 2 diabetic patients needs to be studied. Objective:The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the relation between red meat consumption and glycemic control, blood pressure and obesity in young and aged female patients of type 2 diabetes. Methods: This is a retrospective study done from the medical records of the patients of type 2 diabetes attending the YMC hospital, Mangalore. The study group consisted of female diabetic patients predominantly consuming red meat diet aged between 27 to 65 years. They were divided into two groups based on their age (viz. <40 years, >40 years of age). Their FBS, PPBS, Blood pressure and BMI were noted. These parameters between two age groups of red meat consumers were measured by unpaired t-test. Results: The data when analysed statistically revealed that female diabetic patients aged above 40 years was positively associated with poor glycemic control in terms of both FBS and PPBS(p < 0.0005).There was significantly higher BMI and BP in elderly female diabetic patients (p < 0.0005 & p< 0.005 respectively). Conclusions: We found that a consumption of red meat was associated with poor glycemic control, hypertension and obesity in patients of type 2 diabetes in elderly-aged women, which is likely due to their hormonal fluctuations. Keywords: Diabetes, Red Meat, Blood Pressure, Body mass Index, Female