- A recent clinical trial published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition highlights that a diet high in advanced glycation end products (AGEs), commonly found in ultra-processed and fast foods, is a leading cause of India’s diabetes epidemic.
- AGEs are harmful compounds formed during high-temperature cooking and are linked to inflammation, which contributes to diabetes.
- Dietary Impact on Insulin Sensitivity: Low-AGE diets improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, while high-AGE diets exacerbate diabetes risk.
- Global and National Context: With 101 million diabetic individuals in India, the prevalence of diabetes is rising. Western studies also link processed foods high in fat, sugar, and AGEs to chronic diseases.
- Diet Recommendations: A low-AGE diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Healthier traditional diets focusing on boiled foods, non-starchy vegetables, and reducing bakery and sugary foods are recommended to lower type 2 diabetes risk.
- Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes:
| Aspect | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Cause | Autoimmune condition; The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. | Insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production. |
| Onset | Often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. | Typically develops in adults over 45 but is increasingly seen in younger people. |
| Insulin Production | Little to no insulin production. | Insulin is produced, but the body doesn’t use it effectively (insulin resistance). |
| Treatment | Requires daily insulin injections or pump therapy. | Managed with lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin in later stages. |
| Risk Factors | Genetic and environmental triggers; not linked to lifestyle or weight. | Linked to obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, family history, and age. |
| Symptoms | Sudden onset with excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue. | Gradual onset with increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, slow healing, and infections. |
| Management | Insulin therapy is mandatory. | Lifestyle changes are often sufficient initially; medications may be needed later. |
Dig Deeper: Read about Diabetic complications like diabetic foot, kidney damage and Retina damage.
