Daily incorporation of low-GI carbohydrates in meal planning can be an effective diabetes self-management strategy for glycemic control and weight management. The documented responses to the subjects' conceptual and practical knowledge of the GI confirm their acceptance of this approach as a permanent behavioral lifestyle change and not a "diet." The positive results of this study attest to what worked for these subjects, inviting diabetes educators to consider offering low-GI dietary advice to their diabetes patients.

adults, the BMI data showed 53% men and 70% women were in the healthy range, 40% men and 21% women were undernourished, and 7% men and 9% women were mildly overweight. The MUAC cutoff point of ≤ 22.5 cm which corresponds to BMI <18.5 kg/m², the WHO cutoff reference for undernutrition, indicated 87% men and 72% women had both normal muscle mass and subcutaneous fat levels and 13% men and 28% women were undernourished. The TSF figures, also based on WHO ranges, indicated 88% men and 96% women had depleted fat stores and 12% men and 4% women had normal fat stores. Body Mass Index showed strong positive correlations with MUAC (r = 0.75, N = 62, p < 0.001) and with TSF (r = 0.58, N = 62, p < 0.001). The supplemental food likely played a positive role in the healthy weight status (BMI) and normal muscle mass and subcutaneous fat levels (MUAC) of the majority of participants (62%, 80% respectively) but not in their depleted fat stores status (TSF). These findings culminated in recommendations that adroitly targeted newly identified nutritional concerns. Increasing dietary variety, especially meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, and increasing the quantity and nutrient density of a nutritional powder made from stoneground peanuts, soya beans, maize, and millet were two new dietary strategies immediately implemented at the conclusion of the study. Positive TSF trends would support the effectiveness of TVAT's food delivery program to improve this crucial nutritional parameter for this population.

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