Latest news with #MadrasDiabetesResearchFoundation
Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Food as Medicine: Dr. V. Mohan on the Economic and Health Impact of Pistachio-Based Diabetes Prevention
Dr. V. Mohan, one of India's foremost diabetologists and researchers, sheds light on the findings of a landmark clinical trial led by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), conducted with the support of the American Pistachio Growers (APG). Recently published in the prestigious Journal of Nutrition, the study reveals how adding pistachios to a daily diet could significantly improve metabolic health in people with prediabetes—a discovery that could influence how India tackles its growing diabetes burden. Why Pistachios May Be the Missing Piece in India's Nutrition Puzzle? The Indian diet is largely carbohydrate-heavy, with limited focus on proteins and healthy fats. For a balanced diet, all three macronutrients—carbs, proteins, and fats—must be proportionately included. Among fats, trans fats (in processed foods) and saturated fats (like ghee and butter) are harmful. Healthier options include unsaturated fats: monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). MUFAs are especially beneficial for heart health and diabetes management. Unfortunately, Indian diets lack MUFAs. Pistachios, rich in MUFA, offer a healthy solution. Research now shows they help lower cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and waist size—contrary to earlier beliefs about nuts and weight gain. Pistachios and Satiety: A Natural Way to Control Appetite Pistachios are remarkably effective at inducing satiety, helping people feel full faster. When meals include natural, fiber- and protein-rich foods like pistachios, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables, carb intake naturally drops. For instance, someone used to eat three chapatis may feel satisfied with just one or two. This simple dietary change can aid in weight control, improve blood sugar levels, and support better overall metabolic health—making pistachios a smart, healthy addition. Reducing Healthcare Costs Through Preventive Nutrition According to the ICMR-INDIAB study, India has 101 million diabetics and 136 million prediabetics. If even half of the prediabetics develop diabetes, the total could exceed 160 million—leading to enormous healthcare costs, including medications, surgeries, and dialysis. Preventive strategies like pistachio consumption can delay or prevent diabetes and reduce heart disease risk. This not only improves health outcomes but also significantly cuts healthcare expenses for individuals and the system. The Role of International Collaborations in Driving Health Innovation Collaborations like ours with APG (American Pistachio Growers) are crucial for generating strong, evidence-based research. This study helps prove that investing in healthy foods—like pistachios over junk snacks—can lead to simple, impactful health improvements nationwide. An Opportunity for Indian Food Brands: Healthy Pistachio-Based Products There is a huge opportunity for Indian food companies to develop pistachio-based products. But they must be careful not to undermine the health benefits by adding excess salt, sugar, or fat. Pistachios should be consumed in as natural a form as possible, or blended with other healthy ingredients in a mindful way. Done right, this can help make healthier eating mainstream. The Future of Pistachio Research: Beyond Diabetes At the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, we're studying how pistachios improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and lower insulin resistance. Long-term trials are challenging, so we're pursuing large-scale observational studies over 10–15 years to explore pistachios' lasting impact on heart disease, diabetes, and obesity in real-world settings. Can India Create Its Own 'Mediterranean Diet"? India can create its own 'Indian Mediterranean diet' with nuts like pistachios, healthy fats, and traditional vegetables—promoting long-term health by rethinking our carb-heavy eating habits. The Rise of Nut-Based Food Content Creators: A Boon for Public Health? We also need the help of social media creators and health influencers to spread awareness. If people understand that a handful of pistachios daily can lower heart disease and diabetes risk, this message will stick—and habits will change. Global Collaboration: Partners in the Pistachio Study Our study involved collaborations with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and other global experts. These partnerships ensured that our research met the highest scientific standards, making it impactful and credible. What's Next for MDRF? Beyond Pistachios We're working on several projects. Studies on cashews, almonds, walnuts, and groundnuts Research on how much carbohydrate is safe, and what should replace it—protein, fat, or something else Childhood diabetes, gestational diabetes, and type 1 diabetes Use of AI and machine learning in reading retinal scans for diabetes-related eye diseases Physical activity innovations like Tandav, a 12-minute Bollywood dance workout designed by my daughter Dr. Ranjana, which uses HIIT principles We are exploring immune markers, inflammatory markers, and metabolomics. These studies are costly, but since the early results are promising, we're talking to funders to support continued research in this area. Conclusion: Rethinking Food as Medicine India must shift from treatment to prevention. Adding pistachios daily is a small step with big benefits—for diabetes, heart health, and healthcare costs. It's time to see food as medicine.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Study analyses intake of ultra-processed foods among South Asian countries
New Delhi: A study that analysed intake of ultra-processed foods among South Asians found that three-fourths of those living in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and north India reported consuming these foods in the 24 hours prior to the survey. Researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK, the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in Chennai, and institutes in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka looked at the relation between consuming ultra-processed foods and sociodemographic factors of participants. The findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal, also show that 41 per cent of participants from south India and Pakistan reported having consumed ultra-processed foods in the 24 hours prior to being surveyed. These foods involve extensive industrial processing and additives such as added sugars, and are known to heighten risk of obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. Data of over 60,700 adults living in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India were analysed. The participants were recruited for the South Asia Biobank, a UK-based long-term study designed to understand reasons contributing to the high risk of life threatening conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity among South Asians. Across the four regions studied, ultra-processed foods were found to account for 13-17 per cent of one's total energy intake, with biscuits being a common source. Other commonly consumed foods included sweetened beverages in Pakistan, packaged salty snacks in south India, and breakfast cereals in Bangladesh, the study found. Further, younger age was a factor linked with consuming ultra-processed foods in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and older age in Bangladesh and north India -- and women across most regions were more likely to consume these foods. Consumption also was found to be lower among married people or those living together across the regions studied, compared to those who were single. The researchers said a 2023 study that examined the link between consuming ultra-processed foods and sociodemographic factors analysed data from 32 countries, but "revealed a significant evidence gap with no studies conducted in South Asian countries ". "This is the first study to assess the sociodemographic correlates of (ultra-processed foods) consumption in South Asia, using individual-level dietary recall data in a large population-based study of South Asian adults," according to the study. "In Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and North India, (nearly) 75 per cent of participants reported consuming (ultra-processed foods) during the previous day, versus 41 per cent in south India and Pakistan," it said. They added that the study's results provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions. The South Asia Biobank is based at Imperial College London and funded by the UK's National Institute for Health Research.
The Hindu
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Study analyses intake of ultra-processed foods among South Asian countries
A study that analysed intake of ultra-processed foods among South Asians found that three-fourths of those living in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and north India reported consuming these foods in the 24 hours prior to the survey. Researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK, the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in Chennai, and institutes in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka looked at the relation between consuming ultra-processed foods and sociodemographic factors of participants. The findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal, also show that 41 per cent of participants from south India and Pakistan reported having consumed ultra-processed foods in the 24 hours prior to being surveyed. These foods involve extensive industrial processing and additives such as added sugars, and are known to heighten risk of obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. Data of over 60,700 adults living in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India were analysed. The participants were recruited for the South Asia Biobank, a UK-based long-term study designed to understand reasons contributing to the high risk of life threatening conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity among South Asians. Across the four regions studied, ultra-processed foods were found to account for 13-17 per cent of one's total energy intake, with biscuits being a common source. Other commonly consumed foods included sweetened beverages in Pakistan, packaged salty snacks in south India, and breakfast cereals in Bangladesh, the study found. Further, younger age was a factor linked with consuming ultra-processed foods in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and older age in Bangladesh and north India -- and women across most regions were more likely to consume these foods. Consumption also was found to be lower among married people or those living together across the regions studied, compared to those who were single. The researchers said a 2023 study that examined the link between consuming ultra-processed foods and sociodemographic factors analysed data from 32 countries, but "revealed a significant evidence gap with no studies conducted in South Asian countries". "This is the first study to assess the sociodemographic correlates of (ultra-processed foods) consumption in South Asia, using individual-level dietary recall data in a large population-based study of South Asian adults," according to the study. "In Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and North India, (nearly) 75 per cent of participants reported consuming (ultra-processed foods) during the previous day, versus 41 per cent in south India and Pakistan," it said. They added that the study's results provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions. The South Asia Biobank is based at Imperial College London and funded by the UK's National Institute for Health Research.
India Today
24-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Wegovy weight-loss drug now in India: How it works and who should take it
Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company, has launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in India. The drug, which contains semaglutide, works by regulating appetite and food intake, and is now the first medication in India approved for both long-term weight management and heart risk reduction in people who are overweight or WHAT EXACTLY IS WEGOVY, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?At its core, Wegovy is a once-a-week prescription-only injection that mimics a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone plays a key role in appetite regulation. When you take Wegovy, it binds to GLP-1 receptors in the brain, helping to reduce hunger, make you feel full sooner, lowers food cravings and helps control blood sugar biological mechanism makes it easier for people to stick to a lower-calorie diet without constantly feeling deprived—unlike traditional weight-loss methods that rely on sheer willpower THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT? The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, a compound also used in Novo Nordisk's type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic (not yet available in India). While Ozempic is meant for blood sugar control, Wegovy uses a higher dose of semaglutide (up to 2.4 mg) specifically for weight management and heart health. Wegovy is a once-a-week prescription-only injection that mimics a natural hormonein the body called GLP-1. () Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy, when combined with diet and physical activity, leads to:advertisementUp to 20% body weight reduction in 1 out of 3 people within about 68 weeks20% lower risk of major heart problems such as stroke, heart attack, and death related to cardiovascular disease, especially in people already living with heart conditions and obesityHOW IS WEGOVY TAKEN?Wegovy is administered using an easy-to-use injection pen once a week. It comes in five dosage strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 usually start with the lowest dose and gradually increase to the full dose of 2.4 mg under their doctor's MUCH DOES WEGOVY COST?The first three doses (0.25, 0.5, 1 mg) are priced at Rs 17,345 per month (about Rs 4,366 per week). The 1.7 mg is priced at Rs 24,280 per month and the 2.4 mg (full dose) costs Rs 26,015 for a company says this price structure is designed to make the drug more accessible as obesity cases rise across the THIS MATTERS FOR INDIAIndia has the third highest number of people living with obesity or overweight, according to a major 2023 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation. The report found that 254 million Indians, or nearly 29% of the population, are affected. The company says this price structure is designed to make the drug more accessible as obesity cases rise across the country. () Obesity is often misunderstood as a lifestyle issue, but experts say it's a chronic condition influenced by genetics, environment, biology, and mental health—not just food or exercise habits. It also increases the risk of over 200 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders, and certain SHOULD USE WEGOVY?Wegovy is a prescription-only drug meant for:Adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, orAdults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a weight-related health conditionIt must be used under medical supervision, as it can cause side effects in some people, the company stated. "Obesity is not just a personal health concern, it's a national epidemic. Wegovy offers a proven, science-backed solution with the convenience of a user-friendly device. With India-specific pricing and the same cost for the first three doses, we are reinforcing our commitment to address the country's growing obesity burden," said Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk like Wegovy and Mounjaro represent a new era in obesity treatment in India, offering hope to millions who struggle with weight and related health issues. By working with the body's natural hunger signals and showing benefits beyond just weight loss, it's more than a slimming aid—it's a chronic care always, people considering Wegovy should consult their doctor to understand whether it's the right fit for their health needs.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
MDRF and Russia's Almazov Centre Partner for diabetes research
Chennai: The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation ( MDRF ) has signed a research collaboration with the Almazov National Medical Research Centre , based in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The partnership will focus on developing new diagnostics and treatment strategies for diabetes, with an emphasis on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). It will also explore emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine in diabetes care. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. V. Mohan of MDRF and Prof. Evgeny Shlyakhto, Director General of the Almazov Centre. The agreement includes training and exchange programs for medical specialists, joint conferences, academic meetings, collaborative publications, and educational and cultural exchanges. Joint research projects on gestational diabetes have begun, involving Dr. Polina V. Popova and her team from Almazov's Endocrinology Department and Dr. Mohan's team at MDRF. The collaboration is expected to expand further in the coming months.
