Kathya Palepu, MS ’22, Presents Food Order Research at ObesityWeek 2023

Kathya Palepu, MS ’22, a graduate of Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN), presented her master’s thesis research at ObesityWeek 2023, held October 14–17 in Dallas, Texas. An IHN Travel Award supported her attendance.

Studying food order and glucose patterns

Palepu’s thesis investigated how the sequence in which foods are eaten affects glucose patterns in adults with type 2 diabetes.

The published conference abstract describes a randomized crossover study involving 20 adults with metformin-treated type 2 diabetes. Participants followed carbohydrate-first and carbohydrate-last meal patterns for six days each, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to track glucose levels throughout the day.

The researchers reported less glucose variability and more time within the target glucose range during the carbohydrate-last phase. Average glucose levels during everyday activities did not differ significantly between the two meal patterns. The authors called for further research on longer-term effects.

Thesis research at Columbia IHN

Palepu completed the project as part of IHN’s MS in Human Nutrition. Explore the program’s thesis research opportunities to learn about research tracks and conference travel awards.