http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3890-0875
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ABSTRACT
Rising burden of diabetes in India requires quick intervention that integrates policies and programs for effective prevention and control of disease. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to observe effect of diet in two Indian communities practicing sedentary lifestyle. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for blood sugar, glycated-hemoglobin (HbA1C), and lipid profile. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) measurements were recorded. Diabetes incidence was lower in lacto-vegetarian (1.7%) than in non-vegetarian group (5.3%) despite similar lipid profiles and BMI/WC between the groups. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) was positively correlated with LDL and VLDL levels and negatively correlated with HDL, only in lacto-vegetarian group. Study suggests: (1) Indian lacto-vegetarian diet has beneficial effects on diabetes incidence irrespective of high body weight and sedentary lifestyle; (2) intervention to reduce body lipids, such as lipid-lowering drugs and exercise, may have greater effect in reducing FBS levels in this lacto-vegetarian group.
Funding
The authors acknowledge the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi, for providing financial assistance to Inspire Fellow Mr. Ardhendu Bhusan Praharaj. The authors also thank the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India, for providing financial assistance to carry out the work. This study was funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi (Grant number DST/INSPIRE Fellowship/2013/882).