Asia has been experiencing a tremendous surge in diabetes and Malaysia is no exception. The situation triggers my continuous motivation to work on diabetes and nutrition among individuals and community with diabetes. My primary research interests lie in understanding the integrative approaches between basic science and applied research in developing the best model of nutrition therapy for prevention and management of diabetes.

Generally, the research aims to improve metabolic control and quality of life in people with diabetes. Towards this overarching aim, various interventions were implemented including medical nutrition therapy, low glycemic index diet, and use of adjuvant therapy such as probiotics and herbs (Ulams) resulting in an improvement in some parameters of diabetes control. Efforts were also made to understand the metabolites profiles associated with Ulams consumptions through metabolomics research. The research approaches have increasingly adopted a collaborative strategy. One of my studies reported differences in gut microbiota between diabetes, obese and healthy individuals. We reported those with diabetes benefited from probiotic supplementations. This project brought together a team comprising an endocrinologist, microbiologist, immunologist, dietitian and food scientist.

Working on diabetes nutrition since PhD makes me realize the critical needs of people with diabetes. In 2015, I had the opportunity to work with Dr Osama Hamdy, Joslin Diabetes Centre during the postdoctoral training. We identified the best nutrition therapy models for overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes. With his mentorship, we published various articles including the Ramadan Nutrition Plan for Diabetes organized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). It is hope that my research commitment on diabetes nutrition would further expand through participation in international collaborations, such as the Malaspina International Scholars Travel Award. It is my greatest hope and aspiration that my research contributions will lead to a better quality of life in individuals and community with diabetes.

Research Grants

Principle Investigator (Public Grant)

1. Postprandial metabolomics of cosmos caudatus in healthy and individuals with type 2 diabetes RM50,000; On-going- UPM Internal Grant
2. Effect of High Fat vs. High Carbohydrate-High Glycemic Index Diet on Obesity Development in Rats. RUGS (Initiative 5- Young Lecturer UPM Grant); 2011 – 2014; RM30 000; Completed.
3. Development and Validation of Nutrition Education Packages for Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. (RUGS Initiative 6 UPM Internal Grant) 2011-2014; RM15,000; Completed.
4. A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Probiotics as a complementary medicine to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes; RUGS (Initiative 6 UPM Internal Grant); 2012 – 2014; RM15,000; Completed.
5. Investigating the Efficacy of a Low Glycemic Index Diet on glycemic control and pregnancy outcomes in Malaysian women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A randomised Controlled Trial (UPM 0006039), E-Science Fund MOSTI, 2012 – 2014; RM161,500, Completed.
6. Study of The Interactions Between Gut Microbiota, Gut Hormones Secrection, Nutritional Profiles and Host Metabolism Predisposing To Obesity And Diabetes. FRGS MOHE, 2012 – 2014; RM91,600; Completed.
7. Geran Fellowship Anugerah Pensyarah Pilihan Bulan Satria 2012. UPM. RM500. 2012-2013. Completed.

Principal Investigator (Industrial Grant)

1. My_Dia RNP Nestle Health Sciences (Malaysia) - In-kind
2. Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Determination of a High Calorie Oral Nutrition Supplement. 2015-2016. BioSynergy Sdn. BhD. RM16,000. Completed.
3. A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Parallel Group Study of Microbial Cell Preparation as Adjuvant Therapy for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. BioCrobes SDN. BHD. 2013 – 2014, RM82,000. Completed.

Principal Investigator (International Grant)

1. Malaysia Diabetes Ramadan Nutrition Plan (My Dia-RNP®): A Feasibility Study (MyDia-RNP). Nestle Health Sciences (Switzerland)