Mitigating risk factors (diabetes, obesity, hypertension) associated with COVID-19 complications through promotion of dietary consumption of pulses

Risk factors for increased complications due to COVID-19 include diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Our research shows that incorporating pulse-based meals (i.e. meals that include lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas) is an effective way to lessen adverse blood sugar responses, and reduce blood pressure and body fat in clinical populations or during times of decreased activity (likely to be experienced now by people as they self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic). Our knowledge mobilization activities will involve development of a recipe book and YouTube videos on how to prepare pulse-based meals we have found to be effective in our previous clinical trials.