A first-of-its-kind study conducted in India has found that a diet low in advanced glycation end products may help reduce the risk of diabetes.

India has been dubbed the diabetes capital of the world, with more than 101 million people suffering from this lifestyle disorder.

The study, in collaboration with apex medical panel Indian Medical Council of Research and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, focused on 38 overweight and obese adults aged 25 to 45, all of whom had a body mass index ( BMI) was 23. or higher.

Researchers compared the effects of two diets, one high in AGEs and one low, over a 12-week period.

AGEs are harmful compounds that form when certain foods are cooked at high temperatures, especially processed and fried foods.

These compounds are known to contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance and other health problems, increasing the risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Study participants followed both a low-life and high-life diet, each for 12 weeks. The study used a crossover method, meaning every participant tried both diets, allowing researchers to compare the effects of the same group of people.

The findings, published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, were promising. The low-fat diet significantly improved participants’ insulin sensitivity, measured by a test called the Oral Disposition Index (DIO).

Insulin sensitivity refers to how well the body uses insulin (hormone) to lower blood sugar, and poor insulin sensitivity is a significant factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Participants on the low-AGE diet showed lower blood sugar levels 30 minutes after eating and reduced levels of AGEs and inflammatory markers in their blood.

In contrast, the high-AGE diet did not provide these health benefits and was associated with higher levels of AGEs and inflammation, which may increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Researchers revealed that the following foods pose significant risks due to their high AGE content:

• Fried foods: Chips, fried chicken, samosas, pakodas
• Baked goods: cookies, cakes, crackers
• Processed foods: ready meals, margarine, mayonnaise
• Animal-based foods cooked at high temperatures: grilled or roasted meats such as bacon, beef, and poultry
• Roasted Nuts: Dried Fruits, Roasted Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds
• These foods are common in the Indian diet and are regularly prepared using cooking methods that increase their level of aging, such as frying, roasting, grilling, and baking.

This is the first study of its kind in India, and suggests that a younger diet may be an effective way to reduce diabetes risk.

Experts believe that adopting a diet low in processed and fried foods and rich in fresh, whole foods may help improve insulin sensitivity and overall health in overweight and obese individuals.