Currently, India is home to approximately 101 million individuals living with diabetes, a number that continues to rise alongside the global increase in diabetes, pre-diabetes, and obesity. Previous studies from Western countries have shown a heightened risk of chronic diseases due to the consumption of highly processed foods that are often high in fat, sugar, salt, and AGEs.

This new study reinforces the idea that a diet rich in AGE-containing foods contributes to inflammation, which is a root cause of diabetes. The process of glycation, where sugar molecules bind to proteins or lipids, can lead to harmful reactions within the body. The researchers recommend that individuals, especially those who are overweight or obese, consider a low-AGE diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy to help mitigate oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants that causes inflammation and cell damage.

During the clinical trial, overweight or obese adults without diabetes were split into two groups: one group followed a low-AGE diet for 12 weeks, while the other consumed a high-AGE diet during the same timeframe. High-AGE foods included those cooked by roasting or frying, whereas low-AGE foods were prepared through boiling or steaming. After 12 weeks, the group on the low-AGE diet showed a significant increase in insulin sensitivity compared to the high-AGE group, as well as a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, emphasized that adopting healthier dietary practices such as consuming non-starchy green leafy vegetables, fruits, and boiled foods instead of fried options can significantly lower dietary AGEs and subsequently reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Mookambika Ramya Bai, the study’s lead author, noted that these findings advocate a return to the healthier eating habits of previous generations.