Fried And Processed Foods Tied To India’s Diabetes Surge, ICMR Study Shows

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled a few findings from its first large-scale clinical trial on Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), revealing that ultra-processed and fried foods are significant contributors to India’s alarming rise in diabetes rates. Conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, this study suggests that adopting low-AGE diets could help mitigate the risks associated with diabetes.

Foods high in AGEs include red meat, French fries, fried snacks, bakery treats, parathas, samosas, and sweets. Backed by the Department of Biotechnology, the research was published last week in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, shedding light on the impact of our dietary choices on health.

The study was carried out for a period of 12 weeks with 38 participants who met the inclusion criteria and were overweight or obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23 and above.

Researchers compared the effects of two diets—one high in AGEs and the other low in AGEs.

The findings revealed that participants on a low-AGE diet had an enhanced insulin response and lower blood glucose concentrations than those on the high-AGE diet, who exhibited elevated AGEs and inflammation scores.

Based on their findings, the researchers advise avoiding high-AGE foods and embracing a low-AGE diet comprising green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, boiled foods and brown rice to help reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.

Although this was the first study of its kind in India, the research suggests that the low-AGE diet could be an effective approach to lowering diabetes risk, according to the study.

The researchers also pointed out that frying, roasting, and grilling increase AGE levels, while boiling is beneficial in preventing their accumulation.

According to the latest statistics, more than 101 million people in India are suffering from this disease, making it one of the most significant health problems facing the nation. Urban populations are at greater risk due to lifestyles that encourage sedentary behaviour and increased access to unhealthy foods.

Dr. V Mohan, chairman of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, stated, “The rise of the diabetes epidemic in India is primarily driven by obesity, physical inactivity, and the consumption of unhealthy diets rich in AGEs.”

What are AGEs?

AGEs are toxic products that accumulate in our bodies over the years. They can form in two main ways: either through the consumption of foods prepared using high-heat methods such as frying or roasting, or through natural processes within the body. Diabetes causes elevated levels of AGEs because high blood sugar levels enhance their formation. These molecules can pose various health risks, particularly concerning blood vessels and nerves, potentially leading to heart disease and nerve disorders.