Does the active use of nutrition labeling reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus? Results of insulin resistance using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Aims: In 1995, nutrition labeling became mandatory in South Korea. These regulations help consumers make reasonable choices when purchasing food based on nutritional value by providing the nutritional properties of processed foods. We investigated the association between perceptions about nutrition labeling and insulin resistance (IR) in people with no diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: This study used data from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI-3 in 2015, n = 2931). We used multiple regression analysis to investigate the relationship between perceptions about nutrition labeling and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: 75.2% of participants were aware of nutrition labeling and 24.8% of participants checked nutrition labeling and actively used the information. “Actively checked and used the nutrition labeling” was inversely associated with HOMA-IR scores (check nutrition facts and make labeling-dependent purchase decisions: β = −0.108, p = 0.0164). These associations were more significant in people who were obese or paid more attention to their health. Conclusion: High levels of perceptions about nutrition labeling and active use of such information could have positive effects on reducing IR and preventing DM. Therefore, it is necessary to improve public perception for effective implementation of healthcare programs.