A Nutritional Food Recommendation Dataset For Diabetic Patients In Gujarat: A Region-Specific Approach To Dietary Planning

Abstract

Diabetes, particularly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), is becoming an increasingly serious public health issue in Gujarat. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), the percentage of adults with high or very high random blood glucose levels (above 141 mg/dl) has more than doubled in recent years—rising from 5.8% to 14.8% among women and from 7.6% to 16.1% among men between 2015–16 (NFHS-4) and 2019–21 (NFHS-5). This sharp increase highlights the urgent need for region-specific dietary interventions that align with local food habits and cultural preferences. This research paper presents the development of a nutritional food recommendation dataset specifically curated for diabetic patients in Gujarat. The dataset incorporates a wide range of culturally accepted and nutritionally balanced food items that are suitable for diabetes management, emphasizing low glycemic index foods, high fiber content, and controlled carbohydrate intake. Grounded in clinical evidence and existing literature on dietary behavior in Gujarat, the dataset aims to support more personalized diet planning, improve patient adherence, and serve as a foundation for digital health tools such as mobile apps and AI-based dietary recommendation systems tailored to the Gujarati population.