Source: This post on Ultra-Processed Foods and Diabetes in India has been created based on the article “Consumption of ultra-processed and fast foods leading cause of diabetes in India, reveals new study” published in The Hindu on 8th October 2024.
Why in news?
Recent clinical trial published in International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition highlights the link between ultra-processed, AGE-rich foods and diabetes. The study also suggests that following a low-AGE diet can potentially mitigate diabetes risk in the Indian population, which has one of the highest diabetes rates globally.
Findings of the study
Insulin Sensitivity & Inflammation: Low-AGE diets improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, essential for diabetes prevention. AGEs, formed when sugars react with fats or proteins at high temperatures, contribute to inflammation, a precursor to diabetes.
Chronic Disease Risk: Similar to Western studies, this new research links ultra-processed foods in India to higher diabetes risk due to AGEs, fats, sugars, and salts.
About AGEs
1. Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are harmful compounds formed when proteins or fats react with sugars in the bloodstream through a process known as glycation.
2. This process occurs naturally in the body over time but can be accelerated by factors like high blood sugar levels, certain dietary habits, and oxidative stress.
3. AGEs are significant because they contribute to various age-related diseases and chronic health conditions, particularly those involving inflammation and oxidative damage.
4. Some of the health issues linked to AGEs include:
| Diseases | Description |
| Diabetes | AGEs are highly prevalent in individuals with diabetes due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. They can contribute to complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. |
| Cardiovascular Diseases | AGEs can stiffen blood vessels and lead to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. |
| Kidney Disease | The kidneys usually filter AGEs from the blood, but when they’re overworked (as in diabetic nephropathy), AGEs can accumulate, worsening kidney function. |
| Alzheimer’s Disease | AGEs are found in high levels in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and are believed to contribute to neurodegeneration. |
| Skin Aging | AGEs can affect skin elasticity and appearance, contributing to wrinkles and reduced skin resilience. |
5. Sources of AGEs:
i) Foods cooked at high temperatures, such as grilled, fried, or roasted items, have higher levels of AGEs. Processed foods, meats, and foods high in sugar and fat are also rich in AGEs.
ii) Within the body, AGEs are formed through normal metabolic processes, but their levels can increase due to poor blood sugar control, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
6. Preventing and Reducing AGEs: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help lower AGE intake. Cooking methods like steaming, boiling, and poaching can also reduce AGE formation.
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