Pilot Test of a Chinese Menu Plan for Type 2 Diabetes

Detailed Summary

In Canada, there is a fast-growing population with diabetes, and the majority of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes (T2D). Diabetes and its complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, eye disease and foot disease, impair the quality of life and life expectancy. Chinese are the second largest visible minority in Canada. The diabetes incidence increased much more rapidly in the Canadian population of Chinese origin compared with that of European origin in past decades. Cultural factors are very likely to affect individual behaviour in diabetes treatment. Both international and Canadian diabetes organizations have recognized the importance of taking into account the cultural background and individual preferences in diabetes treatment. However, there lacks cultural relevant nutritional recommendations or guidelines for Chinese Canadians except some literally translated materials which may not be culturally relevant. In order to fill the gap, the investigators have developed a Chinese menu plan that includes commonly consumed Chinese dishes with nutrients breakdown and cooking tips to provide guidance for patients in their daily meal planning. This menu plan is a cultural translation of the Canadian nutritional guidelines, which is urgently needed among Chinese immigrants with T2D in Edmonton, according to our previous needs assessment. In this pilot test, the investigators will examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the Chinese menu plan. Twenty Chinese with T2D in Edmonton will be recruited to use the menu plan for 3 consecutive months and relevant indices of T2D will be tested as indicators of effectiveness. Feedback from participants will be obtained through one-on-one interviews and appropriate modifications will be made to the menu plan.

Study Details

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Interventions