A groundbreaking clinical trial by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled a significant link between ultra-processed and fried foods rich in Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) and India's escalating diabetes crisis. This pioneering study, conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, an ICMR Centre for Advanced Research in Diabetes, highlights the potential of low-AGE diets in mitigating diabetes risk. The study was published last week in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.
The research, funded by the Department of Biotechnology, underscores the detrimental impact of diets high in AGEs, which include red meat, french fries, bakery products, parathas, samosas, and sugary foods. AGEs are harmful compounds formed through glycation, a process where proteins or lipids are modified by sugars. Accumulation of AGEs is linked to various health issues, including inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and cellular damage.
The 12-week study involved 38 overweight and obese adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23 or higher. Researchers compared the effects of two diets: one high in AGEs and the other low in AGEs. Participants on the low-AGE diet demonstrated improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, while those on the high-AGE diet exhibited elevated AGE levels and increased inflammation.
“Low-AGE diets showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation compared to high-AGE diets,” the study noted. “For the first time in India, it has been revealed that low-AGE diets could be a potential strategy to reduce diabetes risk.”
The study also highlighted that cooking methods like frying, roasting, and grilling increase AGE levels, whereas boiling helps keep them in check. To reduce the risk of diabetes, researchers recommend adopting a low-AGE diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, boiled items, and brown rice.
Dr V Mohan, chairman of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue. “The rise in the diabetes epidemic in India is primarily driven by obesity, physical inactivity, and consumption of unhealthy diets rich in AGEs,” he said.
Recent data reveals that over 101 million Indians are currently living with diabetes, making it one of the most significant public health challenges in the country. Urban populations are particularly vulnerable due to lifestyle changes that promote physical inactivity and easy access to unhealthy food choices.
This study offers a new perspective on managing diabetes risk through dietary changes. By reducing the intake of high-AGE foods and opting for healthier cooking methods, individuals can improve their insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, potentially curbing the diabetes epidemic in India.
