Decoding the Indian plate: dietary patterns and their glycemic implications in Type 2 diabetes mellitus-a narrative...

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major health challenge in India. Urbanization and nutritional factors, as well as genetic factors, contribute to the high prevalence of T2DM. The Indian diet is characterised by a high intake of carbohydrates from polished rice, wheat flour, and processed foods. This review explores the traditional and contemporary Indian diet and its role in glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Several studies have demonstrated the role of carbohydrates in glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Diets high in refined cereals have consistently shown a high glycemic response and have led to poor metabolic outcomes. On the other hand, diets containing millets, pulses, and vegetables have resulted in improved fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, and HbA1c levels. India is a large and diverse country with a wide variety of staple foods and diets. Recent studies have shown the impact of the balance and content of fiber, macronutrients, and phytochemicals in the diet, including traditional foods, with respect to glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Several dietary components commonly found in diverse traditional Indian food practices, including whole grains and millets, pulses and legumes, vegetables, dietary fibre, and appropriate protein sources, have been associated with favourable glycemic and metabolic outcomes. However, India has substantial regional dietary diversity, and current evidence remains insufficient to establish the superiority of any single traditional or regional Indian dietary pattern for the prevention or management of T2DM. These findings support the development of an evidence-based and culturally adaptable Indian plate that incorporates beneficial dietary components according to regional food preferences and individual metabolic needs.