OBJECTIVE

The study aims to analyse the eating patterns and consumption of ultra-processed food (UPFs) among individuals with and without diabetes.

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted across Pune, India, with 100 individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 208 without diabetes. A detailed FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) developed by NOVA-UPF Screener with 33 ultra-processed food items was used to evaluate the consumption patterns of UPF.

RESULTS

Most of the participants with diabetes have a habit of eating breakfast daily (68%), prefer lunch from home (72%), and about 20% avoid eating at a restaurant. While only 45.7% of the participants without diabetes have breakfast daily, and 88.4% prefer to eat lunch outside rather than homemade food. Comparative analysis shows that all 33 UPFs were consumed significantly less by individuals with diabetes than those without diabetes (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The reduced intake of UPFs highlights greater dietary caution among individuals with T2D. Therefore, these findings emphasize the importance of promoting healthy eating habits and limiting UPF consumption among the general population to prevent the onset of metabolic conditions like diabetes.