India's dietary profile linked to rising diabetes and obesity, shows study, Pg12.

Key Highlights:

• A recent study by ICMR-INDIAB published in Nature Medicine reveals that changing Indian diets are linked to rising diabetes and obesity.
• At least 21 states and UTs exceed the recommended 5%E limit for added sugar intake.
• Overall protein intake is suboptimal, averaging 12% of daily calories, while 62% of calories come from carbohydrates.
• The study surveyed 1,21,077 Indian adults across 36 states, UTs, and NCT-Delhi.

Detailed Insights:

• The study highlights that typical Indian diets are high in carbohydrates from sources like white rice and whole wheat flour, and low in quality protein.
• Higher carbohydrate intake is associated with a 14% increased risk of type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the need to reduce overall carbohydrate consumption.
• Refined cereal intake is highest in the Northeast (51.7%E) and South (36%E), mainly from white rice, while Central and Northern regions consume more milled whole grains.
• Saturated fat intake exceeds recommended levels in most states, while consumption of monounsaturated and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats remains low.
• Most protein comes from plant-based foods, with low intakes of dairy and animal protein nationwide, but the Northeast consumes the highest protein levels.
• Replacing just 5% of daily calories from carbs with plant or dairy proteins can significantly lower the risk of developing diabetes and prediabetes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Diabetes: A metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels.
• Obesity: A condition characterized by excessive body fat accumulation.
• Macronutrients: The main nutrients that make up our diets: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.