First ever expert consensus on fiber by Diabetes India has shown that consumption of high fiber diet helps manage Type-2 diabetes (T2DM). They have recommended slow and steady increase in fiber intake upto 25-40g/day. Among the many options for fiber, soluble fiber was found to be more impactful, both in foods and via supplements. The experts have assembled their findings under the new term ‘fiber-rich diabetes nutrition’(FDN).
The fibre rich diabetes nutrition has many other health benefits ranging from controlling blood sugar, reducing hyperinsulinemia, improving cholesterol levels, controlling body weight for Type-2 diabetes patients and cardioprotective actions
India needs to tackle the acute epidemic of increasing diabetes, as it has the second-highest diabetes population in the world. It is estimated to increase from 425 million people in 2017 to 629 million in 2045, and alongside will increase the burden of pre-diabetes, diabetes and obesity.
Says Dr. V Mohan from Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, “To manage diabetes, reducing glycemic peaks is a particularly important target in the treatment of the disorder to improve overall treatment outcomes. A high fiber diet is vital to prevent and manage diabetes. Individuals with diabetes need to be advised not only to increase the quantity of fiber but also to include the right type of fiber or soluble fiber in their diet. Soluble fiber has numerous beneficial effects like lowering blood sugar spikes, management of cholesterol levels, enhancing immune function, increasing satiety, promoting weight loss and improving gut health. Increasing fiber intake, preferably through food or through dietary supplement which is fiber rich is recommended to prevent and manage diabetes.’’
Shares the R&D team at HUL, “The country is experiencing a shift in dietary patterns to more ‘modern’ diets leading to low intake of fiber and excess consumption of calories, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sugar. This transition and a sedentary lifestyle have significantly contributed to an increase in Type-2 Diabetes(T2DM) and obesity predominantly in urban, but also in rural areas. There was a strong need to collate information on impact of high-fiber consumption and its guidance on increasing intake.”
Diabetes India brought together a group of twelve eminent diabetologists and two expert dietitians to review and report on the role of high DF in the management of Type 2 Diabetes Management (T2DM). The authors convened to reach a consensus on the final recommendations between August 2021 and December 2021.It is formally published by Elsevier on behalf of ‘Diabetes India’ in the Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews.The writing/editorial support is funded by Hindustan Unilever Ltd, the makers of Horlicks Diabetes Plus.
