- Why is the risk of diabetes increasing in Indians?
- Experts said 'these' are 6 major reasons
- Big reveal from a study of 60 experts
While the rate of diabetes is increasing in India, important information has come to light about the exact nature of this disease in India. Dr. Reddy's and Nestlé Health Science Limited, Dr. A joint venture between Reddy's Laboratories Limited and Nestlé India Limited, announced the key findings of a new research paper published in the international journal “Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome & Obesity”. This research paper highlights the need for an India-specific approach to diabetes nutrition. This approach is not limited to blood glucose management but also considers metabolic, nutritional and lifestyle realities.
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Based on the views of 60 endocrinologists and diabetologists from across India, this research paper examines the unique characteristics of patients with diabetes in India and suggests practical considerations for improving nutritional management in routine clinical practice.
India has one of the highest number of people with diabetes in the world. As many as 98% of experts agreed that diabetes has certain characteristics that require appropriate nutritional strategies, while 86% of experts believed that identifying these characteristics is important for effective diabetes management.
According to a survey of experts conducted for this research, important features of the Indian diabetes phenotype include high carbohydrate intake (82%), central obesity (78%), insulin resistance (76%), inadequate protein intake (75%), low lean muscle mass (69%) and genetic predisposition (67%). These factors need to be carefully considered when designing nutritional interventions for Indian patients.
Diabetes
Another important finding emerged was the growing association between diabetes and obesity, often referred to as “diabesity”. According to experts, 61% of respondents said that more than half of their patients with diabetes are overweight or obese. This shows that the prevalence of excess weight among people with diabetes in India is increasing. At the same time, long-term adherence to the diet remains a significant challenge. Most experts report that more than 25% of patients do not consistently follow dietary recommendations for six months or more. These findings underscore the need for nutritional strategies that focus on blood glucose control, weight management, metabolic health, and overall nutritional outcomes.
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Banshi Sabu, Honorary Secretary, Diabetes India and former President, RSSDI, said, “The findings on diabetes and dietary adherence point to two important challenges that clinicians face in the long-term management of diabetes. Many patients are simultaneously dealing with excess weight and nutritional deficiencies, and maintaining dietary changes for months can be difficult. It is therefore important for clinicians to go beyond simply prescribing dietary restrictions and focus on achievable practices that patients can actually maintain as part of their daily lives. Helping patients make dietary changes, proper nutritional intake, and regular monitoring can be key to improving long-term diabetes outcomes.”
Expert guidance on diabetes-specific nutrition formulas
This research paper highlights the need for individualized medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and provides expert guidance on the role of clinically proven diabetes-specific nutrition formulas (DSNF) to help select patient groups. This research paper presents practical considerations to help healthcare professionals decide when and where these nutritional interventions may be appropriate as part of comprehensive diabetes care.
Medical and Scientific Affairs, Dr. Dr. Reddy's Nestlé Health Science. Nandan Joshi Head, said, “Diabetes prevalence in India is influenced by unique metabolic, nutritional and lifestyle factors, which often require a different approach to nutrition management. Clinical guidelines provide the basis for treatment, but healthcare professionals also need practical and contextually appropriate guidance that takes into account the reality of Indian patients. By bringing together the views of experts from across the country, this publication helps to bridge the gap between evidence and practice and support more personalized and effective nutrition strategies in diabetes management. presents clinically relevant aspects that do.”
These findings highlight the need to expand the nutritional approach to diabetes in India beyond just blood glucose control. These include obesity, muscle health, nutritional quality, patient adherence, and long-term metabolic outcomes.
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