High intake of protein, dairy could reduce risk of diabetes: Study
| Jul 17, 2019, 12:29 IST
Diabetes is becoming a huge public health crisis in many counties, including in India. Now, a new study suggests consuming more protein and dairy products can help reduce the risk of diabetes.
For the study, researchers examined data from the National Family Health Survey-4 (2015–2016). It provided information on food availability and preferences across different states in India, along with statistics on diabetes. The results showed cases of diabetes are extremely high in states, like West Bengal and Kerala, where non-vegetarian food is more popular. There were also a large number of diabetes patients in states where they consumed more sugar and honey. The data also revealed the prevalence of diabetes was relatively low in places where consumption of protein and dairy products were high.
“Our study has identified hotspot districts having high prevalence of diabetes and recommended them to be targeted in public health programmes,” study author Preeti Dhillon, an assistant professor at International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) based in Mumbai, told a news portal.
While the new study sheds new light on certain factors that may contribute to one developing the disease, experts say it is important to note the condition is a multifactorial health issue. Lifestyle factors like genes, fitness and alcohol consumption can also play a huge role.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India had close to 69diabetes patient in 2015. That number is set to rise to 98 million by 2030. The findings could help researchers develop better treatment options to reduce these numbers. The study was originally published in the Journal of Public Health.
For the study, researchers examined data from the National Family Health Survey-4 (2015–2016). It provided information on food availability and preferences across different states in India, along with statistics on diabetes. The results showed cases of diabetes are extremely high in states, like West Bengal and Kerala, where non-vegetarian food is more popular. There were also a large number of diabetes patients in states where they consumed more sugar and honey. The data also revealed the prevalence of diabetes was relatively low in places where consumption of protein and dairy products were high.
“Our study has identified hotspot districts having high prevalence of diabetes and recommended them to be targeted in public health programmes,” study author Preeti Dhillon, an assistant professor at International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) based in Mumbai, told a news portal.
While the new study sheds new light on certain factors that may contribute to one developing the disease, experts say it is important to note the condition is a multifactorial health issue. Lifestyle factors like genes, fitness and alcohol consumption can also play a huge role.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India had close to 69diabetes patient in 2015. That number is set to rise to 98 million by 2030. The findings could help researchers develop better treatment options to reduce these numbers. The study was originally published in the Journal of Public Health.