Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, May 15: In a promising breakthrough for diabetes care in India, a recent study has revealed that a structured, online, physician-led plant-based nutrition programme significantly improves health markers in people with type 2 diabetes. The findings, led by Indian-origin researcher Dr Vanita Rahman and conducted by the US-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), have been published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.
The 12-week programme enrolled 76 participants, of which 58 completed the course. Results showed a 22% reduction in diabetes medication usage among participants, an average weight loss of 3.7 kilograms, and a 0.6% drop in HbA1C levels—an essential marker for blood sugar control. In addition, total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels also saw notable reductions of 15 and 12 mg/dL respectively, even among those not on lipid-lowering medication.
India is currently grappling with a massive diabetes epidemic, with over 101 million adults diagnosed and another 136 million in the pre-diabetic stage. Dr Rahman emphasized the urgent need for accessible and culturally adaptable healthcare interventions.
“India’s diabetes crisis requires solutions that align with our healthcare infrastructure,” said Dr Rahman. “We’ve always known that dietary changes can help manage diabetes effectively, but factors like limited doctor-patient time, inconsistent follow-ups, and poor accessibility—especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities—have hampered practical implementation.”
The study highlighted how online programmes can overcome these barriers by offering structured support, practical guidance, and consistent follow-ups. Significantly, Dr Rahman pointed out that the Indian diet, already rich in plant-based foods, lends itself well to such interventions with minor adjustments such as reducing fat content and focusing on whole foods.
With the success of this study, experts believe digital nutrition coaching could play a pivotal role in India’s battle against diabetes, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where traditional healthcare delivery often faces limitations.