British Journal of Medical and Health Research

Methodology- A total of 300 subjects aged 25-75 years were selected from reputed hospitals based on inclusion criteria. Data on demographics, medical history, dietary intake through FFQ and 24-hour dietary recall, anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, inflammatory & nutritional biomarkers were analysed. Results- Nutrient intake analysis showed 270 subjects had inadequate daily intake of protein, essential fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. BMI was normal (21.1±1.21 kg/m²) among subjects n=93 subjects, n=160 were overweight/obese (25.54±1.98 kg/m²), n=24 were undernourished (16.93±1.43 kg/m²). Handgrip strength was weak in 210 subjects, 85 were normal, and only 5 were strong. Clinical signs & symptoms, including joint pain, swelling and stiffness, were mild in males and moderate in females. Nutritional biomarkers showed normal calcium (8.63±0.66mg/dl) and hemoglobin (14.01±0.27g/dl) levels in males but low calcium (7.99±0.12mg/dl) and hemoglobin (11.82±0.08g/dl) levels in females. Inflammatory markers, ESR (76.74±27.26mm/hr) and CRP (36.67±20.24mg/dl), were higher in females compared to males ESR (43±17.51mm/hr) and CRP (25.68±5.20mg/dl). Conclusion- The evidence suggests the need for nutrient-dense diet, focusing more on protective-nutrients such as protein, calcium, iron, and essential fatty acids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. A holistic approach combining medical and nutrition therapy is recommended for better RA management and improved quality of life.

Introduction: Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). When combined with other risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia, it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study evaluated the effect of physical activity on cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala. Results: The mean age was 60 ± 12 years. The male-to-female ratio was 0.71. The cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes identified were primarily alcohol consumption (49.7%), physical inactivity (47%), hypertension (43%), and hypercholesterolemia (39.1%). The average duration of diabetes was 7.8 ± 6.4 years. Patients had hyperglycemia in 77% of cases. In this study, 48.0% of diabetic patients had a high cardiovascular risk (≥ 20%). This cardiovascular risk was significantly higher in women compared to men (p=0.048) and in patients over 60 years of age compared to those under 60 (p=0.001). The latter group also had the highest prevalence of low physical activity levels (p < 0.001). Participants engaging in moderate-intensity PA had a lower cardiovascular risk compared to those engaging in high- and low-intensity PA (40.0% versus 56.0% and 48.8%, respectively). Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk remains high among older patients, particularly those who are sedentary and have low levels of physical activity.