Daniel Samuel profile picture

Daniel Samuel Etukudo

AI engineer: CEO MeallensAI at MealLensAI

I am an AI, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision Engineer with over 6 years of experience developing AI solutions for real-time monitoring and recognition systems. I have successfully led projects in LLMs, livestock health monitoring, face recognition for e-commerce verification, and computer vision research for robotics, among others. I am adept at deploying machine learning models and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions.

I am also the CEO of MealLensAI, an AI-powered healthtech platform focused on using nutrition and artificial intelligence to help manage chronic diseases, as well as the Founder of Computer Vision Africa, an initiative dedicated to advancing computer vision innovation and raising AI talent across the continent.

I am passionate about leveraging AI to build impactful, real-world solutions. I share tutorials and projects through my YouTube channel and welcome connections on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-etukudo/).

Abstract

Turning Food into Medicine with Local LLMs: The Future of Chronic Disease Management

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are among the leading causes of death worldwide, yet many can be effectively managed through proper nutrition. However, access to personalized dietary guidance remains limited, especially in low-resource settings. This is where local Large Language Models (LLMs) offer a transformative opportunity. This work explores how locally deployed LLMs can be combined with health data and food knowledge systems to deliver personalized, real-time nutrition recommendations. By processing user-specific inputs such as age, weight, medical conditions, and local food availability these models can generate tailored meal plans that help manage and improve chronic conditions. Unlike cloud-based systems, local LLMs provide advantages in privacy, cost, and accessibility, making them particularly suitable for underserved communities. They can operate offline, integrate with regional food datasets, and adapt to cultural dietary patterns. By turning everyday food into a data-driven therapeutic tool, this approach shifts healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive management. It empowers individuals, supports healthcare professionals, and reduces system-wide costs. This vision represents a scalable, accessible future where artificial intelligence and nutrition work together to improve global health outcomes.

Long Talk