Latest news with #AnoopMisra
India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Dr Anoop Misra on why Indian mangoes are safe and a healthy option for diabetics
For decades, mangoes have been labelled off-limits for people with diabetes. Their natural sweetness and juicy richness have made them a beloved fruit, but one that's feared for its supposed impact on blood sugar. Now, two groundbreaking Indian studies are rewriting that diabetologist Dr. Anoop Misra, Chairman at Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, and co-author of the studies, says that certain varieties of Indian mangoes, when eaten in controlled portions and under supervision, can actually improve blood sugar control and even support weight management in people with type 2 shown the benefits of small doses of mangoes in place of carbohydrates like bread for the first time,' Dr. Anoop Misra tells 'Our data challenges the myth that mangoes are unsafe for diabetics. In fact, they could offer multiple metabolic benefits if included mindfully within a diet.' WHAT THE TRIALS SUGGESTIn collaboration with the National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC), and supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Misra's team conducted two clinical studies to test the impact of mango consumption on metabolic first study, accepted for publication in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, assessed 95 participants - 45 with type 2 diabetes and 50 without. Participants were given either 250 grams of mango pulp (Safeda, Dasheri or Langda varieties) or an equivalent calorie portion of white bread. Researchers used an Oral Tolerance Test and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) over three they found was surprising:Mangoes caused an even lower blood sugar response than Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursion (MAGE), a key marker for glucose spikes, was lower in diabetic participants after eating mangoes, suggesting more stable blood sugar second study, published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders on August 6, followed 35 adults with type 2 diabetes for eight weeks. Each participant consumed either 250 grams per day (about one small mango) of Safeda or Dasheri mangoes, or the same caloric amount of bread, as part of a controlled diet.'The mango group showed a measurable drop in fasting blood sugar, HbA1c levels, insulin resistance, waist size, and even subcutaneous fat. Even HDL, the good cholesterol, improved," says Dr MANGOES A SMARTER CARB?It's all about what mangoes contain and what they replace.'Mangoes have a low-to-medium glycemic index, around 51. That's much lower than white bread or sugary snacks. They're also high in fibre, vitamins, and plant compounds like polyphenols and carotenoids, which help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity,' explains Dr while mangoes are sweet, they don't cause the same rapid blood sugar spikes as refined researchers believe mangoes may also help increase satiety, meaning people might eat less ABOUT SUGAR?Aren't mangoes full of sugar?'Yes, mangoes contain natural sugars. But in our trials, participants ate a measured quantity—250 grams per day—as a replacement for a high-GI food like white bread. The results were clearly in favour of mangoes," says Dr Sugandha Kehar, lead author of both studies.'Mangoes are a much-loved fruit and often unfairly maligned. These studies show that, within a well-structured diet, they are not only safe for diabetics—but may be beneficial,' she FINAL WORD: MODERATION AND SUBSTITUTION ARE KEYDr Misra is careful to stress that this is not a licence to binge on mangoes.'One medium-sized mango per day (around 250 grams), as a substitute for other carbohydrate sources, not in addition to them, can be part of a diabetic meal plan. But this must be done under dietary supervision," he don't have to completely eliminate mangoes from your life. These studies suggest that when eaten smartly, Indian mangoes like Safeda and Dasheri can fit into a diabetic diet, and might even bring metabolic a small but powerful step in reconnecting cultural food preferences with modern science.- Ends advertisement
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Eli Lilly's once daily oral pill shows major weight loss in trials: Is this easier to use than taking a shot?
Weight loss with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly's once-daily oral pill, orforglipron, was found to be similar to the oral and injectable version of its competition semaglutide but inferior to its own injectable weight loss drug tirzepatide. Those on the highest 36 mg dose of the medicine on average lost 12.4 per cent of their body weight at 72 weeks, according to the initial results announced by the company on Thursday. There are no head-to-head trials comparing orforglipron and oral semaglutide. However, a previous trial to assess the effectiveness of semaglutide published in 2023 showed that participants on the highest 50 mg dose on average lost 15.1 per cent of their body weight in 68 weeks. 'The weight-loss is not as dramatic as seen with tirzepatide. The benefit, however, is that it is an oral medication. When it comes to the market — it is likely to compete with the oral version of semaglutide,' said Dr Anoop Misra, chairman, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fortis C-DOC centre. 'Some people would like to switch to the medicine if it is cheaper — given that it is easier to use instead of the weekly shots,' he adds What is orforglipron? It is a GLP-1 drug, which mimics the hormone GLP1 in regulating blood sugar in users. Lilly's injected drug, tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro, mimics GLP1 as well as GIP, which regulates lipid metabolism. Collectively, they are called incretin mimetics, which mimic the action of certain gut hormones to improve secretion of insulin, inhibit secretion of glucagon that stimulates glucose production in the liver and reduce appetite by slowing down digestion. What do the recent findings announced by the company show? The findings are based on the ATTAIN-1 trial that had 3,127 participants who were obese or overweight, not diabetic, but had other co-morbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease. The participants were from across the US, Brazil, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain and Taiwan. The study found that the participants on average lost 7.8 per cent of their body weight with the lowest 6 mg dose, 9.3 per cent with the 12 mg dose, and 12.4 per cent with the highest 36 mg dose. The study also showed that nearly 60 per cent of all the participants on the highest dose of the medicine lost at least 10 per cent of body weight. Around 40 per cent of the people on the same dose lost more than 15 per cent of their body weight, which is almost comparable to the kind of weight-loss seen with bariatric surgeries. How does it compare to other weight-loss medicines in the same class? The weight loss achieved by the oral medicine is similar to the impacts seen with both oral and injectable semaglutide. However, it is lower than the company's own once-weekly injectable drug tirzepatide, which has demonstrated as much as 26 per cent weight loss over a period of 84 weeks. Why is this important? Given its ease of use compared to weekly shots, an oral regimen is likely to make the drugs more accessible. Another important distinction, which may make orforglipron the preferred pill, is that it is the first small molecule GLP-1 drug. To compare, the oral semaglutide is a peptide molecule or a chain of amino acids that are inserted through a delivery system that prevents it from degradation in the stomach. Small molecule drugs are generally easier and cheaper to manufacture than peptides that have a more complex structure. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Mango instead of bread can reduce blood sugar spikes, belly fat, says study: How can this change your breakfast?
What if there was something better than multigrain bread to pair your yogurt or eggs with for breakfast? And what if that happened to be something that for years has been feared to spike blood sugar but is everyone's summer favourite? Yes, mango, in restricted amounts and as a replacement for refined and processed carbs, blunts blood sugar spike compared to breads among those living with Type 2 diabetes, say researchers. This is a significant departure from conventional dietary advice for diabetes management which steers clear of mangoes as it is a high-sugar fruit. The findings, in two parts, were published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition and the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, with evidence-based reassurance for including mangoes in prescribed diabetic diets. This was a randomized controlled trial held among 35 adults with Type 2 diabetes who consumed either 250 grams/day (one small-sized fruit) of Safeda or Dasheri mangoes, or an equivalent amount of white bread at breakfast for eight weeks. The study was led by Dr Sugandha Kehar, Fortis C-DOC Hospital, and co-authored by Dr Anoop Misra, Executive Chairman & Director, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Fortis C-Doc Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences. 'We chose mango because it is the most loved fruit, has never been studied but is maligned for its sugar-raising effect. Breads carry no such warnings for diabetics and feature regularly in most breakfasts. The studies show that within prescribed diets, consumption of mangoes is not detrimental to blood glucose and may even be beneficial,' says Dr Kehar. The study was done in three phases. In the oral tolerance test, which is done after two hours of a meal, mangoes produced a similar or lower blood sugar response than bread in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Phase 2 was a short-term study where subjects were studied for three days with the continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Here too, glucose levels were found to be significantly lower after mango consumption compared to bread in diabetic participants, suggesting greater stability. But it was after a two-month study that we found that the mango group experienced reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c (average blood sugar count of three months) and improved their insulin function. Mango consumption led to decreased body weight, waist circumference (indicative of unhealthy abdominal fat), and skinfold thickness (indicative of unhealthy fat under the skin) compared to the bread group. HDL (high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol) levels improved significantly. First of all, mango will raise blood sugar after major meals if had as a dessert. So here we used it as a meal component replacement, using it instead of bread, thereby sticking to the limits of daily calorie allowance. For best results, the mango must be portion-controlled and paired with protein. Never exceed 250 gm or a small sized mango in your breakfast. If not breakfast, then you can have mango as a mid-meal snack between breakfast and lunch or between lunch and dinner. In our study we combined mango with toned milk and home-made curd, also from toned milk. So there was no calorie overload. Avoid mango after heavy meals.
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
Mango Not 'Forbidden Fruit' For Diabetics, May Be Safe & Even Beneficial, Indicate 2 Indian Studies
Last Updated: The studies found that controlled consumption of mangoes may improve blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic health indicators There's good news for mango lovers living with diabetes. In a significant departure from long-held dietary advice for people with type 2 diabetes, two new clinical studies undertaken by Indian researchers have found that controlled consumption of mangoes may improve blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic health indicators. The studies, led by researchers at Fortis C-DOC Hospital and the National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC) in New Delhi, examined the impact of three popular Indian mango varieties—Safeda, Langra, and Dasheri—on individuals with type 2 diabetes. While mangoes are traditionally discouraged in diabetic diets due to their perceived high sugar content, the findings—one of which is published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders and another is accepted for publication in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition—offer scientific evidence that moderate mango consumption may not only be safe but also beneficial for people with diabetes when integrated carefully into their diet. The studies indicate that mangoes are, in fact, beneficial when included as part of a calorie-restricted and supervised diet. 'We demonstrated the benefits of small doses of mangoes in place of refined carbohydrates like bread through two detailed studies—the first of their kind in India," said Dr Anoop Misra, senior author of the study and chairman, Fortis C-DOC. However, he added a word of caution. 'I must stress, this is not a free pass to eat mangoes indiscriminately. They must be incorporated into calorie-restricted diets under professional supervision and tailored to each patient's medical profile." What does the first study say? In the first study, accepted in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers evaluated 95 participants—45 with type 2 diabetes and 50 non-diabetic individuals—using oral tolerance tests and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Participants were given 250 grams of mango (Safeda, Dasheri, and Langra) or an equivalent-calorie portion of white bread, and their blood sugar responses were measured over two hours. Additionally, a subset wore continuous glucose monitors for three days to assess fluctuations in glucose levels. The results showed that mango consumption produced either similar or slightly lower blood sugar responses compared to bread in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. More importantly, in people with diabetes, the variability of glucose levels over the three days—a factor known to affect long-term health outcomes—was significantly lower following mango consumption. According to the researchers, this indicates that mangoes may offer greater glycemic stability compared to bread, contradicting the common assumption that they are harmful to blood sugar control. 'Mangoes are a much-loved fruit and often maligned for their possible glucose and weight-elevating effects," said Dr Sugandha Kehar, the first author of both studies. 'These studies, painstakingly done by us, show that within prescribed diets, consumption of mangoes is not detrimental to blood glucose and may even be beneficial." What did the second study find out? Building on those initial findings, the second study, published online on August 6 in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, involved an eight-week randomised controlled trial among 35 adults with type 2 diabetes. The participants were divided into three groups: one consumed 250 grams of Safeda mango daily, another Dasheri mango, and the third white bread, all taken at breakfast. Their glycemic parameters, insulin sensitivity, body measurements, including skinfold thickness, and lipid profiles were closely monitored throughout the trial. The researchers reported that both mango groups experienced notable reductions in fasting blood sugar and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), a long-term marker of blood glucose levels. Insulin resistance, measured through HOMA-IR, also improved in both mango-consuming groups compared to the bread group. Alongside improvements in glycemic control, participants who consumed mangoes also lost weight, showed reductions in waist circumference, and had decreased skinfold thickness—indicators of reduced visceral and subcutaneous fat. Levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or 'good cholesterol", also increased significantly among mango consumers, while the bread group did not show such improvements. Both studies received funding support from the country's apex medical research organisation, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), under the union ministry of health and family welfare. 'These results may bring relief to millions of Indians with diabetes who are routinely asked to avoid mangoes," said Dr Kehar. 'With careful dietary planning and medical oversight, we believe mangoes can be reintroduced as a safe and even beneficial option." Why is this important for India? According to the World Health Organization, in India, there are an estimated 7.7 crore people above the age of 18 years suffering from diabetes (type 2), and nearly 2.5 crore are prediabetics (at a higher risk of developing diabetes shortly). Also, more than 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status, which leads to health complications if not detected and treated early. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, WHO explains, while adding that adults with diabetes have a two- to three-fold increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Mangoes are deeply embedded in Indian culture and cuisine and are widely consumed during summer. However, these studies suggest that when consumed in moderation and within a carefully designed dietary framework, mangoes can replace more harmful carbohydrate sources such as white bread—and possibly improve metabolic outcomes in the process. About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : diabetes diet food health Mango view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 08, 2025, 07:30 IST News india Mango Not 'Forbidden Fruit' For Diabetics, May Be Safe & Even Beneficial, Indicate 2 Indian Studies Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Taking almonds and whey protein 30 minutes before meal reduces blood sugar spike, says study
While it's normal for blood sugar to rise after eating, consistently high levels after meals can lead to various health problems, even in individuals without diabetes. Prolonged high levels of blood sugar can damage blood vessels, wearing them out, posing a significant risk to heart health. It can even worsen existing diabetes and make it harder to control and end up damaging the kidneys, eyes and nerves. That's why Dr Anoop Misra, chairman, Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, has got down to planning a pre-meal pattern of consuming macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) that may indeed tame post-meal blood sugar spikes. 'This is especially important for Indians, since their postprandial glucose levels are high and need additional therapies, especially dietary measures,' says Dr Misra, who has laid out his findings in a scientific review of global research. A larger pre-meal load of carbohydrates leads to a faster and more pronounced rise in blood sugar after eating. Conversely, consuming protein, fat, and fibre before the main meal can slow down digestion and accelerate absorption, leading to a more gradual blood sugar release. Whey protein (25 – 55 g), taken 30 minutes before a high-carb meal significantly reduces post-meal glucose levels. It stimulates insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, increases GLP-1 and GIP hormones, both of which regulate post-meal blood sugar by stimulating the release of the sugar-regulating hormone insulin. Olive oil or almond consumption 30 minutes before meals delays gastric emptying and flattens the glucose peak. In people with Type 2 diabetes, olive oil delayed peak glucose elevations from 75 to 140 minutes, significantly lowering glucose spikes. We found that 20 g almonds (rich in protein and monounsaturated fatty acid) before meals brought down post-meal two-hour glucose by 25.8 mg/dL, HbA1c (average blood sugar counts of three months) by 0.4%, and improved insulin sensitivity. About 30 per cent of participants returned to normal blood sugar range after three months. They also reported a reduction in weight, cholesterol and improved insulin sensitivity. There was no risk of hypoglycemia (below normal levels of blood sugar) even in prediabetes. We unanimously concluded that eating almonds daily provides significant benefits for heart health, weight management, blood sugar control and the gut microbiome. The findings from studies in India were particularly notable, indicating that almonds may have especially beneficial effects for people in India with prediabetes, who are more likely to develop diabetes than other racial groups. Almonds are natural, delicious and nutrient-dense, providing protein, healthy fats, fibre and important vitamins and minerals. Plus, they are shelf-stable, portable; and fit into healthy and diverse diets. We made our subjects have fibre and vegetables first. Eating vegetables (rich in fibre) 10 – 30 minutes before carbs improves glycemic control. Studies showed 11 – 49 per cent drop in postprandial glucose. A 500 g vegetable pre-load lowered HbA1c by 1.1 per cent over 2.5 years. I suggest big portions of vegetables, preferably okra, jackfruit, methi (fenugreek), karela (bitter gourd), all known to decrease blood sugar. You can have them after proteins which can decrease blood sugar further. I suggest two large portions of salad with two teaspoons of flaxseed (raw) as preload for those who are not taking protein or almonds. This is a very practical preload. Your salad should have plenty of tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, salad leaves and small portions of radish. If you have carbohydrates at the end, your stomach is already full. So you will automatically limit the portion of rice yourself. Another way to eat rice is to have it with more protein, be it rajma or dal. Rotate three oils — olive, mustard and canola. Avoid ghee, dalda, coconut and palm oils.
