Dietetics in Vellore, India By: Callie Farrell   

Vellore State: Tamil Nadu Language: Tamil Attractions: Golden temple, Vellore fort, and CMC Population: 484,690¹ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vellore

Christian Medical College Founded in 1900 by the American missionary Ida Scudder² Serves over 2 million patients annually² 2,858 inpatient beds³ 8,313 outpatients seen daily³ Ranked among the top hospitals in India² Vision: “The Christian Medical College, Vellore seeks to be a witness to the healing ministry of Christ, through excellence in education, service and research.” ³ https://www.vellorecmc.org/who-we-are/about/ http://www.cmch-vellore.edu/Default.aspx?url=./sites/common/CMC%20Background%20updated%20Aug%202016.pdf

Topic of Interest: Diabetes Most days at CMC I spent half of my day observing the outpatient nutrition clinic. It was shocking how many patients came in each day to receive diabetes counseling. Until this study abroad experience, I was clueless that diabetes was so prevalent in India. This peaked my interest in the topic of Diabetes.

Diabetes in India In 2000, highest prevalence of diabetes in the world (Chine 2nd, US 3rd)⁴ More prevalent in South India vs. North⁴ Causes Genetics? ⁴ Westernization of diet and lifestyle?⁵ Obesity? ⁴ ⁵ Migration from rural to urban areas? ⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3920109/ http://www.idf.org/BRIDGES/map/india

My Observed Interventions Diet Counseling Count carbohydrates Decrease portion sizes Add fiber Fenu Greek Methods Group sessions Conducted in 5 different languages Individualized diets based on need Used common household utensils and cups to demonstrate portion sizes

Diabetic Diet Challenges The diet in India is high in carbohydrates Many people are very poor and are unable to change how they eat Many people have low education levels and find diabetic diets confusing People don’t want to change how they eat

Conclusion/ Suggestions Diabetes is becoming an epidemic in India Dietitians are doing their part to help manage the disease through diet counseling Prevention needs to occur Easier said then done Community health dietitians would help to change lifestyle habits before disease develops

Most Profound Clinical Experience I would say simply being in a hospital ward was my most profound experience. Seeing so many people in one room, so much poverty. It was incredible to witness this type of health care. It was also incredible to see the dietitians go from patient to patient in the wards. They were so efficient.

Most Profound Cultural Experience My most profound cultural experience happened on my 2nd day in India and my first day at CMC. Basically I was dropped off in front of the hospital and told to go to the nutrition department. Needless to say it was an extremely challenging task. 45 minutes later I found my destination. I felt like I was dropped into the deep end of Indian culture and told to swim. It was quite the first day, but I soon got acclimated and fell in love with all of the noise, crowed streets, and unfamiliar smells.

About to leave for my first day at CMC. Shout out the the Modale Hostel! It was such a great home for a month

My best friends in India, the dietetic Interns My best friends in India, the dietetic Interns. We had great times together eating lunch, talking about our cultures, and taking selfies of course!

Eating lunch together after a wonderful morning at CHAD, no utensils necessary

When traveling all of the way to India, seeing the Taj Mahal is a must When traveling all of the way to India, seeing the Taj Mahal is a must. 1 wonder of the world down, only 6 more to go!

I absolutely loved the banyan trees I absolutely loved the banyan trees. Here’s to hoping they grow in Kansas.

References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vellore https://www.vellorecmc.org/who-we-are/about/ http://www.cmch-vellore.edu/Default.aspx?url=./sites/common/CMC%20Background%20updated%20Aug%202016.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3920109/ http://www.idf.org/BRIDGES/map/india