India is witnessing a rapid rise in lifestyle diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity, and Hypertension- conditions strongly linked to our daily diet. A new study published in Nature Medicine (September 2025) sheds light on how the typical Indian diet, rich in refined carbohydrates and low in quality protein, contributes to increasing metabolic health risks.
At Dr. Lakhe’s Healthcare Centre, Kharadi, Pune, under the expert guidance of Dr. Mahesh Lakhe (Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine Specialist), we emphasize not only disease management but also preventive nutrition and lifestyle modification. Let’s understand what this large-scale study reveals and how you can use this knowledge to protect your health.
🧠 About the Study
Conducted under the ICMR–INDIAB Survey, this research analyzed dietary data from over 18,000 adults across India. It assessed what people eat- how much comes from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and how these patterns relate to diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic conditions.
| Parameter Studied | Key Findings |
| Average daily carbohydrate intake | ~62% of total calories |
| Fat intake | ~25% of total calories |
| Protein intake | ~12% of total calories |
| Main carbohydrate sources | White rice, refined wheat, milled grains |
| Protein sources | Mostly plant-based; limited dairy and animal protein |
| Fat types | High in saturated fats in many regions |
🍛 What the Study Found
1. High Refined Carbohydrates = High Risk
- Diets high in refined grains and added sugars were linked to higher chances of Type 2 Diabetes, Prediabetes, and Obesity.
- People consuming the most carbohydrates had up to 30% higher risk of these metabolic diseases.
2. Low Protein Intake in Indian Diet
- Protein made up only 12% of total energy intake, which is lower than global recommendations.
- Replacing just 5% of energy from carbs with protein (especially from dairy, legumes, eggs, or fish) significantly reduced diabetes and prediabetes risk.
3. Fat Substitution Did Not Help
- Replacing carbs with fat did not show a major benefit in lowering diabetes risk.
- In some cases, higher fat intake was linked to a slight increase in obesity.
4. Whole Grain Confusion
- Simply replacing refined grains with milled whole grains (like whole wheat flour) did not show a clear health benefit.
- The real advantage lies in intact whole grains (like brown rice, millets, barley) which are richer in fibre and nutrients.
🥦 Healthy Diet Shifts Recommended by Experts
| ❌ Replace This | ✅ With This | 💡 Why It Helps |
| Refined white rice, maida | Brown rice, barley, whole millets | Improves fibre intake & lowers blood sugar spikes |
| Sugary drinks, sweets | Fruits, nuts, infused water | Reduces added sugar load |
| Excess fried or fatty food | Steamed, grilled, or sautéed meals | Controls saturated fat intake |
| Carb-heavy meals | Balanced plates (protein + veggies + carbs) | Enhances satiety & metabolism |
| Skipping protein sources | Include dal, dairy, eggs, fish | Improves muscle and metabolic health |
👨⚕️ Dr. Lakhe’s Approach to Dietary & Metabolic Health
At Dr. Lakhe’s Healthcare Centre, Kharadi, Pune, we provide comprehensive care for metabolic and lifestyle disorders through:
✅ Personalized nutrition counselling
✅ Regular blood sugar and lipid monitoring
✅ Guidance on portion control and meal balance
✅ Preventive screenings for diabetes and hypertension
Dr. Mahesh Lakhe combine medical expertise with practical lifestyle advice, ensuring every patient receives individualized care suited to their dietary habits and health goals.
🌟 Conclusion
Balanced nutrition is the key to a healthier India. Reducing refined carbohydrates, adding more protein and fibre, and focusing on whole, unprocessed foods can significantly lower your risk of diabetes and obesity.
At Dr. Lakhe’s Healthcare Centre, we are committed to helping you make these changes safely and effectively- because prevention starts with the right plate.
