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Asekenye et al. | Journal of Clinical and Translational Research 2023; 9(6): 398-413 409
multi-dimensional health effects such as improving postprandial 5.6. Study limitations
glucose [74], elevating parameters associated with T2DM [75,76],
and benefiting health status in general [77]. Since this study was done at one point in time, it is difficult
As stated by a number of studies, high fasting blood sugar is a pre- to derive causal relationships from the data analysis, and we
disposing factor to diabetes mellitus and it is important to consider also carefully interpreted the associations since we do not really
the other factors associated with it to prevent its development know if the incidence of hyperglycemia was either before or after
and progression to diabetes [3,16,78,79]. A singular factorial vegetable consumption.
analysis was conducted and there was statistical association of The prevalence depends on the incidence and length of survival
hyperglycemia status with factors such as sub-region of residence, after becoming hyperglycemic, so this survey is insufficient to
mixing, boiling, and addition of peanut/simsim butter methods understand the trend of hyperglycemia in each sub-region.
of vegetable preparation [8,54,68]. Hyperglycemia status was Information (variables) included in this analysis were self-
most likely to be observed in participants residing in Ankole sub- reported and subject to recall bias.
region with OR of 0.439 (95% CI: 027 – 0.69), a prediction which Participants may have over-estimated their consumption of
has not changed for the past 3 years [8,54]. These associations vegetables as it is a desirable behavior or under-estimated as
are very important information for prioritization of sub-regions vegetables are said to be for poor people, and hence, we may have
during implementation of prevention and/or intervention over- or under-estimated the true consumption in both study sub-
programs in the country. Preparation of more than one vegetable regions.
(for example V. unguiculata and Corchorus trilocularis) or However, our survey used a standardized data collection tool.
mixing them with other stews/foods [69] compounds the variety Moreover, we had a large sample size and a high response rate,
of nutrients and phytochemicals and provides a synergistic and so, our findings are sub-regionally representative.
benefit for prevention and management of hyperglycemia [72]. It 6. Conclusion
also ensures adequate intake of dietary vitamins, minerals, fiber,
and phytochemicals [80,81]. For example, Amaranthus species, The influence of vegetable consumption is a recognized
in Japan, was found to contain 72.6 – 77.05 µg/g fresh weight factor for not only general health but also for prevention and
of total phenolic index [82], Amaranthus hybridus in Nigeria management of hyperglycemia. However, there are dynamics in
had ascorbic acid content of 0.43 mg/g [83] and H. sabdariffa consumption such as appropriate vegetable species, method of
contained 0.18 mg/g of fresh weight [84]. Consumption of these preparation, quantity consumed, and frequency that interplay and
compounds, although decrease to a certain degree after vegetable do weigh in on the achievement of this intended benefit. Results
preparation, influences glycemia through different mechanisms of this study revealed that when the appropriate vegetable species
such as limiting oxidative processes [85], modulating digestive is/are prepared using appropriate method(s) and consumed at
enzymes [86], gene expressions [87], signaling pathways [88], recommended amount and frequency, they do yield positive
and glucose transporters [89]. results in prevention and management of hyperglycemia. The
During a stepwise multi-variate logistic analysis, the observed remarkable difference in prevalence of hyperglycemia
association of hyperglycemia status with age of participants in Ankole and Teso sub-regions in this study is a discernible
showed statistically significant results (Table 7), and it confirmed consequence of the significant difference in the vegetable
the reports of similar studies where the elderly compared to the consumption dynamics. Further, research on the phytochemical
youths were more likely to develop hyperglycemia [64,90]. From composition and effect in these most frequently eaten vegetable
the same statistical analysis, consumption of H. sabdariffa L. species is needed; population genetics, and other lifestyle
showed statistically significant impact on the prevalence of factors in both sub-regions to get a stronger focused and clearer
hyperglycemia which is not surprising since this vegetable species scientific basis for the observed difference in prevalence of
has been enormously studied and reviewed worldwide for its hyperglycemia, ultimately guiding to the precise strategies to
beneficial effects on hyperglycemia, its markers, and health in prevent and manage it.
general [91-96]. The lack of impact from other factors, otherwise Community awareness through sensitization programs on
expected, could reflect challenge in the methodology especially in health benefits of vegetable consumption for especially women
the evaluation tool. should be reinforced since women control household health
behaviors by ensuring availability and preparation of vegetables
5.5. Key survey outcomes
in meals. This will also demystify the stigma “vegetables are for
Results show that the commonly eaten vegetables in Ankole the poor” since people usually tend to act in favor of good health
and Teso sub-regions and how they are processed from harvesting if they are aware, are convinced, and know how to act. “Health
to consumption likely plays a role in regulating occurrence of in all policies” [97] should be adopted in the formulation of all
hyperglycemia, as indicated by the level of prevalence in both policies so that nutrition and health are promoted in parallel with
sub-regions, though factors such as phytochemical compounds, other regional development sectors. Farmers should be supported
genetics, and social-economic status could help explain this to encourage the production of these “low income crops”
difference further. (vegetables) to increase supply.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18053/jctres.09.202306.23-00096