According to a new study published in the ‘International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition’, Consumption of ultra-processed and fast foods is the leading cause of diabetes in India.
Key Findings From The Study
- India and Diabetes: India has the highest number of diabetes cases globally, with 101 million individuals affected.
- The International Diabetics Federations ‘India Diabetes Report 2000-2045’ called India the “Diabetes capital of the world’.
- Diabetes prevalence has reached 9.3 per cent of the adult population, contributing to an economic burden of $8.7 billion annually.
Enroll now for UPSC Online Course
Diabetes
- About: Diabetes is a Non-Communicable chronic disease where the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
- Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels.
- Types of Diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmunity/antibodies attack the pancreas leading to destruction of insulin- producing beta cells.
- This causes insufficient insulin production.
- Requires daily insulin administration.
- The exact cause is unknown, and there are no known preventive measures.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Caused by a combination of resistance to insulin and insulin deficiency.
- The body becomes unable to use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar if untreated.
- It is often preventable.
- Contributing factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, and genetics.
|
- Diet Rich in AGEs Linked to Diabetes Risk: A diet high in Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), common in ultra-processed and fast foods, is identified as a leading cause of diabetes in India.
- The Study recommends the following Diet:
-
- A low-AGE diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk) reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps prevent cell damage, lowering the risk of diabetes compared to high-AGE diets (fried and roasted foods).
- Consuming more boiled and steamed foods, as well as green leafy non-starchy vegetables, fruits.
- Avoiding fried, bakery, and sugary foods to reduce the risk of diabetes.
- Ultra-Processed Foods: Ultra-processed foods are industrially manufactured products that contain few whole ingredients and are typically high in added sugars, salts, fats, and artificial additives.
- They are designed for convenience and have a long shelf life. They are often nutritionally poor choices. Examples: Processed Meats, Packaged Snacks, Drinks etc.
|
Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store
- Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)
- AGEs are harmful compounds formed during high-temperature cooking (frying, grilling, roasting). They trigger inflammation, a major factor behind the onset of diabetes.
- For Example: Processed Plant based foods and animal proteins that undergo high temperature cooking are more prone to form AGE’s.
- Glycation, a non-enzymatic chemical process where sugar binds to fats or proteins, plays a role in this harmful reaction in the body.
|
Initiatives Taken In India To Reduce Diabetes Burden
- National Diabetes Policy: Launched in 2017, the policy aims to decrease the prevalence of diabetes in India by 20% by 2025.
Learning from Other Countries: India can learn from countries like:
- Mexico introduced a Sugar tax on sugary drinks.
- Japan Metabo Law mandates annual waistline measurements for adults over 40, followed by counselling for those at risk, contributing to reduced obesity rates. and
- Denmark has implemented policies to reduce saturated fat consumption.
|
- National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD): Under NP-NCD, glucometer and drugs for diabetes are provided as per the proposals received from the states.
- Population based screening under National Health Mission: Aims to prevent, control, and screen for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and cancers.
- The initiative specifically targets individuals over 30 years of age for screening.
- Eat Right India: The ‘Eat Right India’ movement was initiated by FSSAI under the aegis of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to curb consumption of sugar, salt and fat.
- Others: Fit India and Khleo India movements are implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are carried out by the Ministry of AYUSH.
- Quality generic medicines including insulin are made available at affordable prices to all, under ‘Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), in collaboration with the State Governments.
Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes
Conclusion
With diabetes cases continuing to rise at alarming rates, understanding the role that AGEs play in the diet is essential for curbing this health crisis.
- Encouraging healthier cooking methods and reducing the consumption of processed foods could significantly reduce the nation’s diabetes burden.
To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.
PWOnlyIAS
