1. Dietetics in Vellore, India
By: Callie Farrell   

2. Vellore State: Tamil Nadu Language: Tamil
Attractions: Golden temple, Vellore fort, and CMC
Population: 484,690¹

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

12. 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!

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

14. 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!

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

16. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vellore