Integrated food and nutrition in the management of diabetes

Abstract

The recent increase in diabetes and related metabolic disorders globally due to changing lifestyle patterns is a worldwide health threat. A swift seen in the dietary patterns of most of the South Asian Indian population, mainly in a cereal staple diet, from whole-grain consumption to refined-grain consumption, and changes in the type of oil consumed by the people of that region may be among the major contributors to this epidemic rise. It is imperative to bring about a dietary revolution with whole-grain staples and novel functional foods and ingredients within the Asian population to promote a healthy lifestyle by preventing and managing metabolism-related disorders. This article sheds light on newer areas of functional foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids, resistant starch, β glucan, and medium-chain triglycerides for the prevention and management of diabetes and related metabolic disorders. Further clinical research on these functional foods is needed to further incorporate these healthy natural ingredients for the effective prevention and management of diabetes.