Traditional diets and cultural beliefs affecting diabetes prevention and control in Africa

The burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Africa is growing rapidly due to socio-economic changes, urbanization, and substitution of traditional and nutritious, high-fiber diets with ultra-processed, high-energy foods. This review explains the protective value of traditional African diets that contain native grains and fermented foods, but are under threat of westernization and cultural transitions. Moreover, cultural beliefs, social practices, dietary limitations, and gender roles strongly influence diabetes prevention and management practices on the continent. Community-based programs, school nutrition initiatives, and fiscal policies aimed at promoting healthy food settings can be taken as promising interventions. In spite of these considerations, there is an urgent gap in quality research studies especially randomized controlled trials and rural population studies. Culturally sensitive multisectoral strategies are pivotal to reversing the diabetes epidemic in Africa and to achieve sustainable health results.