Study finds reduced carbs intake can assist diabetes reversal

CHENNAI: While there has been an increased trend of diabetes prevalence across the country, a recent study revealed that modifications in diet can help in diabetes reversal significantly.

Earlier, studies have shown that excess carbohydrate in the diet, especially the consumption of polished white rice in the southern states of the country, contribute to increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. The diet of most Indians consists of about 65 to 70 per cent carbohydrates, with very little protein.

In a recent national study by ICMR-INDIAB, funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted on 18,090 adults has shown that if carbohydrates content of the Indian diet can be brought down to 49 to 54 per cent and protein intake increases by 19 to 20 per cent with fat maintained around 21 to 26 percent, diabetes remission (reversal) can be achieved.

For prevention of progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes, carbohydrate content of 54-57 per cent, protein of 16-20 per cent and fat of 20-24 per cent would suffice.

Talking about the findings of the study, Dr RM Anjana, author of the study and Vice-President of Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, said, “Unlike previous studies which have recommended a very low carbohydrate intake which is unsustainable in the Indian context, our results show that even a modest reduction in carbohydrate intake with an increase in protein, along with healthy fats, can help to both reverse diabetes as well as prevent its progression”.

The study uses quadratic programming model to predict both remission and prevention of diabetes at a population level using the ICMR-INDIAB diet data. However, the recommendations for dietary modifications vary slightly based on age, sex, body weight, activity level and in urban and rural areas.

Dr V Mohan, President, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, said: “Indians could even slightly change their dietary habits by decreasing their carbohydrate intake and substituting it with protein (preferably vegetable protein), not only diabetes but also cardiovascular disease can be prevented”.