30/10/2024
Diabetes in India
A previous study by the ICMR and MDRF, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology in June 2023, revealed alarming statistics. Based on surveys conducted across 31 states and Union Territories between 2008 and 2020, the study found that in 2021, 11.4 per cent of Indians were diabetic. This translates to an estimated 10.1 crore Indians living with diabetes. The rise in diabetes cases can be attributed to lifestyle changes, including increased consumption of processed and high-AGE foods.
Western research has also demonstrated that highly processed foods, rich in fat, sugar, salt, and AGEs, increase the risk of chronic diseases. In India, a rapid shift in dietary habits, along with a more sedentary lifestyle, has fueled the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and related health conditions. However, until now, data on the impact of AGEs on the Indian diet and their effect on cardiovascular and metabolic health were lacking.
The Study: Examining the Effects of Low- and High-AGE Diets
To explore the impact of AGEs on Indian adults, researchers conducted a clinical trial involving 38 overweight and obese participants. These people, all of whom had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher but were not diabetic, were divided into two groups. One group was given a low-AGE diet, while the other followed a high-AGE diet for 12 weeks.
The study focused on commonly consumed Indian foods, prepared using different cooking methods. High-AGE foods were prepared by frying, roasting, or grilling, while low-AGE foods were steamed or boiled. Both diets were matched for calories and macronutrients, ensuring that the only variable was the AGE content of the food.
At the end of the 12-week period, the researchers found that participants in the low-AGE group showed significant improvements in several key markers of metabolic health. For example, their insulin sensitivity—a measure of how well the body’s cells respond to insulin—improved significantly compared to the high-AGE group. Additionally, the low-AGE group had lower 30-minute post-load plasma glucose (PG) levels, which is an indicator of future diabetes risk.
The Importance of Low-AGE Diets
The study’s findings show how food choices and cooking methods can influence the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. By consuming a low-AGE diet—consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products—people can reduce oxidative stress in their bodies. Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to cell damage and inflammation. Reducing this stress can help mitigate the risk of obesity-related type 2 diabetes.
Dr Mohan emphasized the importance of boiling and steaming foods rather than frying, grilling, or roasting them. “Healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have low AGE levels,” he explained. “By avoiding cooking methods that add fats and oils, we can keep dietary AGE levels low.”
What Foods Are High in AGEs?
High-AGE foods include items that are roasted, grilled, or fried, such as fried chicken, bacon, and beef. Even certain nuts, such as roasted walnuts and sunflower seeds, contain high AGE levels due to the cooking process. In addition, processed plant-based foods and animal proteins are particularly prone to glycation, making them more likely to contain AGEs.
On the other hand, low-AGE foods include those that are minimally processed and cooked using methods like boiling and steaming. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are excellent choices for a low-AGE diet.
Implications for India’s Fight Against Diabetes
The study’s findings reveal the need for dietary interventions as part of India’s strategy to combat diabetes. With the prevalence of diabetes continuing to rise, understanding the role of AGEs in the diet and making changes to reduce their intake could help mitigate the burden of this disease.
