Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between dietary fatty acid intake and occurrence of diabetes in Dai nationality in Yunnan province and to provide scientific basis for dietary intervention on prevention and control of diabetes.MethodsA total of 404 Dai nationality residents aged over 18 years in Menghai county of Xishuangbanna Dai Prefecture of Yunnan province were selected.A variety of food intake and intake frequency during previous one year,the history of present illness and family history in recent years were collected by a questionnaire survey.The fasting blood glucose of the respondents was detected.ResultsOf the residents,15.8% had diabetes and 14.9% had impaired glucose tolerance.Among the residents,the dietary protein and fat intakes were high but the energy ratio of three major capacity nutrients was unbalanced,with a ratio of saturated fatty acids(SFA)to monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFA)to polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs)of 1:1.72:0.76.Stepwise logistic regression analyses showed that MUFA was a protective factor of diabetes.ConclusionDietary pattern of Dai nationality residents in Yunnan province was irrational.Dietary MUFA may play a protective role in the occurrence of diabetes.