Developing a Biochemistry-Informed Dietary Guideline for Managing Type 2 Diabetes in Hausa-Fulani Populations in Katsina State

Type 2 diabetes management through dietary modification must be grounded in the specific food culture and nutritional biochemistry context of the target population to achieve effective glycaemic control and patient adherence. This study develops a biochemistry-informed dietary guideline for type 2 diabetes management tailored to the food culture of Hausa-Fulani populations in Katsina State. The development process combined quantitative dietary assessment using validated food frequency questionnaires administered to two hundred type 2 diabetic patients at Katsina State Specialist Hospital, glycaemic index and glycaemic load determination for twelve commonly consumed Hausa-Fulani staple foods using standardized human clinical testing, laboratory measurement of glycaemic response to meal substitution scenarios, and structured dietary consultation sessions with fifteen registered dietitians and cultural nutrition informants. Glycaemic index determination confirmed that tuwo shinkafa had the highest glycaemic index among tested staples, while sorghum-based tuwo and millet fura had significantly lower glycaemic indices. Legume-enriched preparations showed substantially reduced postprandial glucose responses in the meal testing component. Dietary assessment data identified that current patient diets were high in refined grains and low in legumes, vegetables, and dietary fibre relative to biochemically optimal diabetes dietary targets. The developed guideline specifies culturally appropriate food substitutions, portion guidance based on carbohydrate counting principles, and practical cooking modification recommendations. Validation with a pilot group of thirty patients over eight weeks demonstrated improved HbA1c and improved patient self-efficacy scores. Keywords: dietary guidelines, type 2 diabetes, glycaemic index, Hausa-Fulani, Katsina State.