Early action, balanced diet key to tackling diabetes burden in India

Hyderabad, Nov 15 (TNT) : With nearly one in two people living with diabetes remaining undiagnosed, the focus on early detection and preventive measures has gained importance as the world observed World Diabetes Day on November 14.

This year’s theme, ‘Early action on diabetes’, highlights the need for timely diagnosis and measures to reduce the risk of the disease.

According to the ICMR-INDIAB study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology in 2023, an estimated 101 million people in India are living with diabetes, while another 136 million are pre-diabetic, indicating the need for early intervention and lifestyle changes.

Dietary habits, including increased consumption of processed foods, refined carbohydrates and sugar, are among the factors contributing to the growing health challenge.

Emphasising the role of nutrition in diabetes prevention and management, Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head-Dietetics, Max Healthcare, Delhi, said early action involved adopting small but consistent changes in everyday food habits.

Meals incorporating pulses, whole grains and green leafy vegetables provided a balanced nutritional base, while almonds could be included as an additional source of nutrients, she said.

Almonds provide six grams of protein and three grams of fibre, which can form part of a balanced diet and support efforts towards blood sugar management, according to the release.

The ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition’s Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024, recommend daily consumption of 40 grams of nuts for men and 30 grams for women as part of a balanced and varied diet.

Maintaining healthy eating habits, making informed food choices and adopting an active lifestyle are important measures for improving long-term health and addressing the growing burden of diabetes, the release added.

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