Structured online nutrition plan could offer hope in tackling India's diabetes crisis: Study
A structured, physician-led online nutrition programme may hold the key to combating India's escalating diabetes crisis, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. The research, led by Indian-origin physician Dr. Vanita Rahman of the U.S.-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), underscores the potential of plant-based diets in improving health outcomes for diabetes patients, particularly in India's healthcare landscape.
The 12-week study enrolled 76 adults with type 2 diabetes, out of which 58 completed the programme. Participants followed a plant-based nutrition regimen guided by medical professionals. The results were promising: 22% of participants reduced their diabetes medication dosages, average weight loss was recorded at 3.7 kilograms, and HbA1C levels—a key indicator of long-term blood sugar control—dropped by 0.6%.
Moreover, for participants who were not on cholesterol-lowering medication, total cholesterol levels decreased by 15 mg/dL, and LDL (bad cholesterol) dropped by 12 mg/dL. These changes not only signify improved metabolic health but also highlight the effectiveness of dietary intervention in managing chronic conditions.
India currently has over 101 million adults living with diabetes, with an additional 136 million in the prediabetic stage, making accessible and scalable solutions critical. 'India's diabetes crisis requires solutions that work within our healthcare realities,' said Dr. Rahman. 'While we've long known dietary changes can manage diabetes, implementing them has been difficult due to limited consultation time, poor follow-up, and access issues—especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.'
The study aims to address these gaps by offering a structured programme that can be accessed remotely, eliminating geographical and logistical barriers. It provided participants not only with nutritional guidance but also with continuous support and practical strategies for real-world application.
Dr. Rahman emphasized that this approach is particularly suitable for the Indian context. 'These results are especially relevant in India, where vegetarian and plant-forward diets are already part of the culture. With simple changes—such as reducing fat intake and emphasizing whole foods—this programme can be seamlessly integrated into Indian households,' she noted.
The findings suggest that with the right support and structure, a shift toward plant-based nutrition can be a practical, low-cost, and impactful solution to India's growing diabetes epidemic.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
13 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Moong Dal Halwa to Aamras, know what Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is carrying for Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission
India is poised to make a historic return to space as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot and astronaut, will take off as a part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission. He, along with three other astronauts, will leave from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida (USA) on June 10 (IST 5.52pm) to the International Space Station (ISS) that they will dock in 28 hours (on June 11). Back in the 39-year-old's hometown, Lucknow (UP), his family is praying for a successful mission, as it will make him the second Indian astronaut to pilot a spaceflight since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission. 'He has been quarantined for a fortnight now, but once a day, he joins us for a group call, as his wife, Dr Kamna Shubha Shukla, and five-year-old son, are with him in Florida. We are all so excited, but also very nervous,' says Shubhanshu's sister Suchi Shukla, a science teacher in Lucknow. Suchi adds, 'He is very hopeful and wants this mission to motivate the upcoming generations. I have shifted into my parents' home for a few days and our eldest sister is also coming down from Noida so that all of us can cheer for him together.' Shubhanshu is carrying a few Indian delicacies with him. 'He is carrying moong dal halwa, gajar ka halwa, aamras and rice. He is excited to share the delicacies with the other astronauts too. Since Indian food is high on spices, he wasn't getting the permission to carry them. But finally, they did allow a few varieties. He is a fitness-freak and highly into yoga so I am sure he will balance it,' says Suchi. Shubhanshu's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, a retired government employee, tells us that a 'Satyanarayan Swami katha and a hawan' are being organised to pray for a successful mission. 'The entire family is praying for him and we are all very confident and positive. Ab darr nahin lag raha hai. We are happy that his name will go in history books,' he says. Shubhanshu's mum, Astha Shukla, adds, 'Woh khud bahut excited hai ki woh Bharat ke liye kuch naya karne jaa raha hai. Bas jaldi se mission khatam kar ke wapas aa jaaye.' While he is not allowed to disclose the personal belongings he's carrying, Shubhanshu's sister feels her brother is 'carrying our photos'. She adds, 'He cannot disclose due to protocol. Once you take anything to space, it becomes a certified object that has travelled to space. So, he will bring those back and it will be memorabilia for us. We will only get to know what those things are once he's back.' City Montessori School in Lucknow, Shubhanshu's alma mater, is celebrating the feat by organising a YyomNite carnival at its Kanpur Road branch. 'All the students and staff are electrified that our alumnus Shubhanshu is undertaking this extraordinary journey, carrying the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians with him. The research he does there will push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and will be used for the advancement and prosperity of humankind,' says school manager Prof Geeta Gandhi Kingdon. They will live stream the event and the carnival will have exploration areas, space photoshoots, activity camp and mission control centre. His family members will also join the event.
Mint
26 minutes ago
- Mint
How to manage high blood pressure with simple lifestyle tweaks
Just under a month ago, the world celebrated Hypertension Day on May 17. Considering an even more recent report published by online medical site Healio, Hypertension unawareness rose from 2013 to 2023, you might reason that having a day just for this condition that silently creeps on us is essential. Furthermore, a May 2024 WHO (World Health Organisation) report states that Indians have been consuming nearly twice the recommended amount of sodium (10.98 gms). And this is making the population more susceptible to high blood pressure (hypertension). WHO's recommendation is to use Lower Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS). Unavoidable as hypertension or blood pressure is, Lounge spoke to experts to know if there are simple tweaks you could make to your daily to control this condition before it turns severe. Also read: A guide to understanding inflammation and ways to combat it's negative effects 'While the risk of developing hypertension increases as one ages, recent research has revealed alarming statistics about its prevalence among Indian adolescents, with rates as high as 25 per cent. That's why it's important for people with a family history of diabetes and hypertension to start getting regular BP checks in their mid-20s. Others can wait until their early 30s to start testing for hypertension," says Dr Anuja Agarwala, vice president, Indian Dietetic Association, Delhi. According to Agarwala, parents should be aware that hypertension can exist in children too. So, if high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases run in the family, schedule regular BP checks for your children too. SYMPTOMS 'About a decade back, hypertension would happen to those in their 50s. These days, due to high stress, lifestyle, genetic factors and addictions, people are getting hypertension at even 28. And the risk is higher if you're obese," notes Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, head of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai. Pal explains that hypertension happens when calcium gets deposited in the lining of the blood vessels, causing it to harden. This adds pressure to the heart as it's pumping harder. If left unattended, this can eventually result in cardiovascular disease. The most common symptoms of hypertension, according to Pal, are sleep deprivation, an inability to focus, throbbing headaches and fluctuation in energy levels. More serious symptoms could include blacking out and being on the verge of collapsing. 'Get your blood pressure checked every three-six months, especially if you're above 30," he advises, and reiterates that the risk of one being affected by hypertension is high if you have parents who are obese or have a history of heart disease. 'While women are more or less protected by the hormone estrogen till age 45 or 50, after menopause, they too are at a risk of suffering from hypertension," Pal adds. Hypertension, Agarwala says, manifests in symptoms as small as headaches. 'What makes it particularly dangerous is that it does not cause specific symptoms until it's too late. If not managed well, hypertension can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease," she cautions. Also read: Why short bursts of cold showers are good for you WAYS TO MANAGE HYPERTENSION Apart from medication, Agarwala's top tips for managing hypertension naturally include quitting drinking and smoking; getting adequate sleep for about eight hours; reducing exposure to stressful environments– if your work environment is stressful, step out every four hours or so; and exercise three-four times a week. She cannot stress enough about the importance of physical exercises. 'It is important to make time for it at least 3-4 times a week. But those who are unable to dedicate time for exercise should try and include more walking into their daily routine. Walking 10,000 steps a day is considered beneficial for your cardiovascular health." It's also crucial to be aware of how sodium insidiously adds up in your diet. It might be the chutney you eat at lunch or those rice crackers you have at tea. According to Agarwala, including fruits and vegetables in your diet is another effective way to maintain healthy blood pressure. GET CREATIVE WITH INGREDIENTS Mysuru-based Dr. Jamuna Prakash, former professor, food science and nutrition, University of Mysore, says, managing hypertension isn't about entirely cutting out namkeens us Indians are so fond of from our diet, but consuming it judiciously. 'Whilst cooking, pairing salt with low-sodium seasonings like MSG (monosodium glutamate), along with an assortment of herbs and spices, can bring out an ideal balance of umami, saltiness, and other traditional Indian flavors—making for a satisfying meal without the need for additional sodium," she says. Adding smokiness to your paneer and chicken preparations can provide additional complexity to the flavor profile of the dish, says Mumbai-based chef Ajay Chopra. 'Borrowing from culinary practices around the world, like using kombu or seaweed broth, as done in Japan, can create umami in certain soups and curries. Adding lemon juice is another way to add flavour to your dishes, and stimulate your taste buds," he notes. Sumitra Nair is an independent journalist based in Kochi. Also read: Anxiety attacks: When should you get treated?
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Cardiologist reveals top 7 foods to protect your heart against sudden cardiac arrest: Millets to lentils and legumes
He said, 'Currently, in India, heart disease is emerging as the leading cause of death. Changing lifestyle and dietary habits have been identified as the primary risk factors for the development of heart disease. Several studies have proven that adopting a healthy lifestyle and following a heart-healthy diet play a crucial role in the prevention of heart disease.' Dr Sandeep added, 'India has a variety of cuisines. The traditional Indian diet is practised in accordance with the principles of moderation, variety and balance in a dietary approach befitting the dietetics paradigm recommended for overall health." With urbanisation and the modern-day lifestyle seeping in, there has been an increase in consumption of processed foods, which, in the long run, has a negative impact on the heart, he said. Dr Sandeep said, 'Long-term cardiovascular health can be fostered by reassessing our traditional dietary patterns and blending them with the principles of contemporary nutritional science.' According to Dr Sandeep, national and international cardiac guidelines list the following foods as 'the top foods to protect your heart': 'Some of the millets, such as ragi, jowar and bajra, are considered superfoods that could be consumed by diabetic and heart patients. These foods are high in nutrients, full of fibre, and low glycemic. They can help manage blood sugar and cholesterol, two of the big risk factors leading to heart disease,' he said. Dr Sandeep added, 'Leafy greens, such as palak and methi, are also packed with essential nutrients such as potassium and nitrates. These essential nutrients boost arterial functions and also help lower blood sugar greens like palak (spinach), Methi (fenugreek), and so on are also dense with nutrients, including potassium and nitrates. These nutrients increase the function of the arteries, and also work to reduce blood sugar.' According to him, 'Nuts like almonds and walnuts contain high levels of omega-3 fats and plant sterols. Eating a handful of nuts each day can increase the HDL, or good cholesterol, properties in your body and lower your bad cholesterol, i.e. LDL levels, which in turn lowers the risk of plaque in the arteries — another deadly contributor to heart disease.' 'Oils that are cold-pressed as mustard or groundnut, etc., are less processed with chemical solvents and high heat. These oils are rich in unprocessed vitamins and oils. As a part of a balanced diet, these oils offer heart-healthy, unsaturated fats as opposed to the trans-fat-laden vanaspati,' Dr Sandeep said. He added, 'Lentils are rich in plant-based proteins which help in reducing cholesterol. They are also helpful for weight control. Chana, rajma, moong, beans, peas, dals, etc. are brilliant instances of lentils and legumes.' 'Include fresh and seasonal fruits such as guava, amla and pomegranate, which are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C to reduce oxidative stress on the heart,' Dr Sandeep said. He concluded, 'Many of the spices and aromatics used in Indian cooking, such as turmeric and garlic, have antibacterial, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects. They promote healthy arteries and help with blood circulation.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
