Study of 60 experts finds six factors behind diabetes in Indians, not just sugar

India has the highest number of diabetes patients in the world, and a new study has now identified the specific factors driving the disease among Indian patients. The research was conducted under a joint project by Dr. Reddy's and Nestle Health Science Limited, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited and Nestle India Limited, with its key findings published in the international journal "Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity". The research paper states that controlling blood glucose alone is not enough, and Indian patients need a separate nutrition-focused approach that takes metabolic health, nutrition and lifestyle into account together.

The research was based on the opinions of 60 endocrinologists and diabetologists from across the country. It examined the distinct characteristics of Indian diabetes patients and suggested practical ways for doctors to improve nutrition management in their everyday treatment. Of the experts surveyed, 98 percent agreed that Indian diabetes patients show certain specific characteristics that require a tailored nutrition strategy, while 86 percent said recognising these characteristics is important for managing diabetes better.

According to the expert survey, six specific factors emerged among Indian diabetes patients: high carbohydrate intake (cited by 82 percent of experts), central obesity, or fat around the abdomen (78 percent), insulin resistance (76 percent), low protein intake (75 percent), low muscle mass (69 percent) and genetic factors (67 percent). The research says all these factors need to be considered while designing any nutrition-based treatment for Indian patients.

The research also highlighted another important finding, termed "diabesity", referring to the growing link between diabetes and obesity. 61 percent of experts said that more than half of the diabetes patients coming to them are overweight or obese. Additionally, most experts said that more than 25 percent of patients are unable to consistently follow dietary advice for six months or longer.

Dr. Banshi Saboo, honorary secretary of Diabetes India and former president of RSSDI, said the findings on diabesity and poor diet adherence point to two major challenges doctors face. According to him, many patients struggle with both excess weight and nutritional deficiency at the same time, while sustaining long-term dietary changes proves difficult. Dr. Saboo said doctors should focus on approaches patients can sustain in their daily lives over the long term, rather than simply prescribing dietary restrictions.

The research also provided guidance on the role of Diabetes-Specific Nutrition Formula (DSNF), to help healthcare professionals decide when and for which patients this nutritional approach would be suitable. Dr. Nandan Joshi, head of Medical and Scientific Affairs at Dr. Reddy's Nestle Health Science, said diabetes in India is influenced by specific metabolic, nutritional and lifestyle factors, which means treatment approaches also need to be different. He said clinical guidelines provide a foundation for treatment, but doctors also need practical information that reflects the real-life circumstances of Indian patients.