Original Research Article
Year: 2014 | Month: January | Volume: 4 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 117-124
An Observation into Random Blood Glucose, Autonomic, Respiratory and Hematological Parameters in Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians of Karukutty Village, Kerala State
Kumar Sai Sailesh1*, Padmanabha2, Das Tanya3, Jobby Abraham4, Mukkadan J.K5
1Asst Professor, Dept. of Physiology, Travancore Medical College, Kollam, Kerala, India.
2Asst. Professor, Dept of Physiology, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.
3Dept of Physiology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, KIIT University, Patia, Bhubaneswar.
4Vice principal, Travancore Medical College, Kollam, Kerala, India.
5Research Director, Little Flower Medical Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala.
*Corresponding Author: Kumar Sai Sailesh
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Researchers reported that vegetarian diets are beneficial in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, renal disease and dementia, as well as diverticular disease, gallstones and rheumatoid arthritis. The present study was undertaken to observe random blood glucose, autonomic, respiratory, hematological parameters in vegetarians and non-vegetarians and to create awareness among the general population.
Methodology: The present study has been performed at Little Flower Medical Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala, India. Four hundred and twenty males and females of Karukutty village, Kerala with mean age 37+/- 18 were enrolled comprising two hundred vegetarians and two hundred and twenty non vegetarians. Random blood glucose is measured by using one touch ultra mini glucometer; Measurement of blood pressure was performed by using sphygmomanometer. Saturation of hemoglobinand pulse rate was measured by using Pulse Oximeter. Bleeding time was estimated by Duke Method and clotting time was estimated by capillary tube method.
Results: In the present study we have observed higher random blood glucose levels in vegetarians than non-vegetarians. When compared with in males, vegetarians are having lower random blood glucose levels than non-vegetarians. In contrast when compared with in females, vegetarians are having higher blood glucose levels than non-vegetarians. We have observed higher bleeding time in vegetarians. The same result is observed when compared with in males and within females also. We have observed equal clotting time in males and females. When compared with in males, vegetarians are having shorter clotting time than non-vegetarians. In contrast female vegetarians are having longer clotting time than female non-vegetarians. Higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure is observed in vegetarians. When compared with in males, both vegetarians and non-vegetarians are having equal systolic and diastolic pressure. When compared with in females, vegetarians are having higher systolic and diastolic pressure than non-vegetarians. Higher pulse rate is observed in vegetarians than non-vegetarians. When compared within males and females, higher pulse rate is observed in vegetarians. Equal Spo2 is observed in vegetarians and non-vegetarians and the same is observed when compared with in males. But when compared with in females, vegetarians are having slightly lower Spo2 than non-vegetarians.
Conclusion: We conclude that blood glucose, bleeding time, clotting time, blood pressure and pulse rate varies in vegetarians and non-vegetarians. These effects are different in males and females. . Hence this study certainly merits continuation of the work with more investigations in the field by increasing parameters and sample size to confirm the results.
Key words: Blood glucose, Vegetarians, Non-vegetarians.