Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of the Republic of Korea announced that it has developed and distributed a “Personalized Nutrition Management Guide” to support the estimated 40% of adults classified as being in the prediabetes stage.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension have been increasing due to various factors. Reports indicate that four in ten adults fall into the prediabetes category, and 5–8% of individuals with impaired fasting glucose may develop diabetes within a year.
In response, the ministry created a nutrition management program that includes customized dietary guidelines based on diabetes risk levels and nutritional indices and shopping strategies using nutrition labels on food products.
This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Korean Society of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers analyzed data from five years of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Between June and October last year, they examined the dietary habits and behaviors of 194 individuals with prediabetes.
The guide provides age-specific dietary recommendations. For young adults (ages 19–34), it advises reducing late-night snacks, fast food, and convenience foods while opting for water instead of sugary drinks.
The program offers guidance on weight management and monitoring sugar and fat intake for individuals at high risk for diabetes and urgently needing dietary improvements.
The ministry reported that approximately four in ten participants showed improved blood sugar levels after an eight-week nutrition management program for 194 individuals with prediabetes.
The full guide is available in the promotional materials section of the ministry’s website. The ministry also distributed operational guidelines for nutrition management education programs to senior welfare facilities and health centers and released a “Sugar Content Information Guide for Processed Foods” on its website to help the public better understand sugar consumption.