Study claims online plant-based diet programme can help manage diabetes
A structured online nutrition programme may address India's diabetes epidemic by removing key barriers to dietary adherence, according to a study
- NEW DELHI — A structured online nutrition programme may address India's
diabetes epidemic by removing key barriers to dietary adherence, according to a
study, led by an Indian-origin researcher.
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- The study, led by the US-based Physicians Committee for
Responsible Medicine (PCRM), showed that participants who followed a
physician-led, plant-based nutrition programme experienced measurable
improvements in health. This included reduced medication use, body weight,
blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
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- The findings offer potential insights for India, where
diabetes currently affects more than 101 million adults, with an additional 136
million in the prediabetes stage, said the team in the paper, published in the
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.
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- "India's diabetes crisis requires solutions that
work within our healthcare realities," said lead author Dr. Vanita Rahman,
internal medicine physician with PCRM.
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- "While we've long known that dietary changes can
effectively manage diabetes, implementation has been challenging due to limited
consultation time, inconsistent follow-up, and accessibility barriers --
particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities," Rahman added.
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- The study addressed common challenges Indian patients
face when attempting lifestyle modifications such as accessibility; structured
support; practical implementation; and consistent follow-up.
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- The 12-week programme enrolled 76 adults with type 2
diabetes. Among the 58 participants who completed the programme 22 per cent of
participants reduced diabetes medication dosages; average weight decreased by
3.7 kilograms (approximately 8 pounds); HbA1C (a measure of blood sugar
control) decreased by 0.6 per cent.
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- Further, the total and LDL cholesterol levels decreased
by 15 and 12 mg/dL, respectively, among participants not taking lipid-lowering
medications
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- “These results are especially relevant in the Indian
context, where vegetarian and plant-forward dietary habits are already part of
cultural norms. With simple adaptations to lower fat content and focus on whole
foods, these interventions can be easily incorporated within Indian
households,” Rahman said.
