Kochi, Nov 7 (UNI) Fried carbohydrates have become one of the most alarming dietary triggers for diabetes in India, warned Prof. Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
Speaking at the 53rd National Conference of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) here on Friday, he said carbohydrates in their natural form are not harmful, but frying them turns them toxic, leading to fat accumulation in the liver- even in people who are not overweight.
Dr. Schwarz noted that Indians are especially vulnerable due to a combination of low protein intake, high consumption of fried carbohydrate-rich foods, and worsening air pollution.
He pointed out that fatty liver, once associated with obesity, is now increasingly seen even among lean Indians because of these dietary habits.
He highlighted the growing scientific evidence linking air pollution to diabetes and underlined the close association between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. India’s rapidly deteriorating air quality, especially in cities like New Delhi, he said, has added a new dimension to the country’s diabetes burden.
Dr. Schwarz also spoke about the transformative developments in diabetes care through new-generation weight-loss medicines and artificial intelligence-based glucose monitoring systems.
He described the new drugs as promising but cautioned that they must be taken continuously to sustain benefits, as discontinuation often results in weight regain.
On AI-enabled glucose monitoring sensors, he expressed confidence that their prices will significantly drop within the next three years, making them accessible to patients in low- and middle-income countries.
The session on “Cardiovascular Risk Prevention in Type 2 Diabetes in Lower-Middle-Income Countries” featured leading Indian experts including Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev, Dr. V. Mohan, Dr. D. Prabhakaran and Dr. Denis Xavier. AIIMS Professor Dr. S. V. Madhu stressed the highly heterogeneous nature of diabetes in India, shaped by varied genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors, which complicates management strategies.
Dr. Jayakrishnan B., Professor at Educare Institute of Dental Sciences, Malappuram, presented findings on workplace stress as an overlooked public health challenge. He said working women face a higher burden due to the dual pressures of professional duties and household responsibilities.
UNI DS RKM