Experts at Arogya World’s recent symposium emphasized the importance of personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes in combating diabetes, particularly within the South Asian community.
At a scientific symposium hosted by Arogya World on May 30, Ashwini Wagle, a Professor of Nutrition at San Jose State University, shared a startling personal experience: “I am not diabetic, yet a handful of foxnuts (makhanas) shot my sugar from 94 to 262 in 20 minutes.” This revelation underscored the event’s theme, “The Next Frontier in Diabetic Care,” held at Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, California.
The symposium focused on diabetes prevention, nutrition, and the role of philanthropy in addressing this growing health crisis. Wagle’s experience with foxnuts highlighted a critical point: individual responses to food can vary significantly. While foxnuts are generally considered a healthy snack, her experience, revealed through Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), demonstrated the necessity of personalized dietary choices.
Wagle also addressed common misconceptions about ghee, a staple in many South Asian diets. Although ghee is rich in saturated fat, she noted that it can be consumed in moderation. A thin smear on rotis is acceptable, but excessive long-term use may contribute to heart disease and diabetes.
The first lesson Wagle shared was the importance of wearing a CGM along with maintaining a food diary for two weeks, even for those without diabetes. This practice can provide insights into individual metabolic responses, challenging the prevalent one-size-fits-all approach to diabetes management.
Nalini Saligram, the founder of Arogya World, was a driving force behind the symposium. She believes that diabetes is preventable, despite alarming statistics regarding its prevalence in the South Asian community. Saligram envisions a disease-free world and advocates for lifestyle changes in schools and workplaces across rural and urban India. Her initiatives include the mDiabetes app, Healthy Schools and Healthy Workplace programs, and MyThali, which simplifies dietary choices.
The symposium brought together researchers, clinicians, and prevention experts who shared the latest findings in diabetes research. Dr. Alka Kanaya presented the Masala study, which revealed that South Asian individuals tend to store fat in unhealthy locations within the body, such as the liver and around vital organs, rather than subcutaneously. This unique fat distribution contributes to a higher risk of diabetes.
Another significant finding from the symposium indicated that South Asians are disproportionately affected by diabetes, with a prevalence rate of 23% compared to 6% among Americans. The risk is even higher for individuals from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Moreover, South Asians develop diabetes at a lower Body Mass Index (BMI), with a threshold of 23 instead of the standard 25.
Anita Sathe from the South Asian Heart Centre emphasized the importance of the MEDS approach—Meditation, Exercise, Diet, and Sleep—as a means to reduce stress and combat lifestyle-related diseases. She also advocated for plant-based diets and the importance of restful sleep.
Dr. Michael Snyder from Stanford University discussed the multifaceted nature of diabetes, which is often oversimplified as merely a blood sugar issue. He identified several underlying causes, including Muscle Insulin-Resistance, Hepatic Insulin-Resistance, Beta-Cell defects, and GLP1 (incretin defects). Understanding the specific type of diabetes one has can lead to more tailored treatment options. Snyder himself utilizes multiple monitoring devices and recommends CGM for effective management.
Dr. Saligram reiterated that diabetes is entirely preventable. After witnessing its impact on her family, she founded Arogya World to spread awareness and prevention strategies. “Every day, I can’t wait to get out of bed knowing the work is making a difference to someone somewhere in the world. I hope to reach 100 million people by 2030. This year, our goal is to reach 43 million, with about 14 million in India alone,” she stated.
Saligram is also spearheading the development of Arogya cities, a collaborative initiative aimed at implementing science-based prevention and behavior change programs in partnership with various organizations. Currently, this project is being rolled out in Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai, attracting partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Stanford, Emory, and Ashoka universities.
For more information about Arogya World and its initiatives, visit arogyaworld.org.
According to India Currents, the insights shared at the symposium are crucial for addressing the diabetes epidemic, particularly within the South Asian community.