Overview
- The ICMR‑INDIAB study reports that about 62% of daily calories in India come from carbohydrates, while protein averages just 12% of energy intake.
- Participants in the highest carbohydrate group had roughly 30% higher risk of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, 20% higher risk of prediabetes, and 22% higher risk of general obesity.
- Isocaloric modeling indicates that replacing about 5% of carbohydrate energy with protein, especially from pulses and dairy, lowers the modeled risk of diabetes and prediabetes.
- The study highlights regional patterns, with white rice dominating in the South, East, and Northeast and wheat in the North and Central regions, while millets are staples in only a few states.
- Many states exceed WHO guidance on added sugar intake, and experts are urging policy shifts such as subsidy realignment and stronger protein provision in school meals to support feasible diet changes.