- विज्ञापन -
A new study suggests that a structured online plant-based nutrition programme could help manage India’s growing diabetes crisis by overcoming key challenges related to diet adherence. The research, led by an Indian origin physician and conducted by the US-based Physicians Committee for Responsible M e d i c i n e ( P C R M ) , found that participants following the programme experienced significant health improvements, including reduced medication use, weight loss, and better blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Diabetes is a major health concern in India, currently affecting more than 101 million adults, with an estimated 136 million people in the prediabetes stage. These alarming numbers highlight the urgent need for effective, scalable interventions that fit within India’s healthcare system and cultural context. “India’s diabetes epidemic demands solutions that are realistic and accessible,” said Dr. Vanita Rahman, the lead author of the study and an internal medicine physician at PCRM. “While dietary changes are a proven way to manage diabetes, patients often face barriers such as limited consultation time with doctors, lack of follow-up, and difficulty accessing structured guidance—especially outside major urban centers.”
The study addressed these obstacles by offering a 12-week online nutrition programme led by physicians, focusing on a plant-based diet rich in whole foods with lower fat content. The design aimed to provide continuous support and practical advice, making it easier for participants to maintain lifestyle changes. Seventy-six adults with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the programme, and 58 completed it. Among those who finished, 22 percent were able to reduce their diabetes medication dosages. On average, participants lost 3.7 kilograms (about 8 pounds), while their HbA1C—a key measure of blood sugar control—improved by 0.6 percent. Additionally, total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels dropped by 15 and 12 mg/dL, respectively in participants who were not on cholesterol-lowering drugs. “ T h e s e f i n d i n g s These r e particularly relevant for India,” Dr. Rahman noted, “because many Indian diets are already plant-forward or vegetarian. With minor adjustments to reduce fat and focus on whole, unprocessed foods, this approach can be easily integrated into everyday Indian meals.”
The study highlights how online programmes can help bridge gaps in healthcare access, especially for people in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where resources and specialist care may be limited. Regular follow-up and structured support through digital platforms can make a meaningful difference in patients’ ability to stick to dietary changes. Experts believe that such evidence-based, culturally adaptable interventions can complement medical treatments and empower patients to take charge of their health through sustainable lifestyle changes. The research was published recently in the *American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine* and could pave the way for broader adoption of plant-based nutritional strategies in diabetes management in India and beyond.
