Abbott Food, Spikes and Diabetes survey has reported that 7 out of 10 respondents are eating meals that are imbalanced in carbohydrates. The average meal plate for all respondents comprises 68 per cent carbohydrates, significantly higher than the recommended guideline of 60 per cent carbohydrates.

The company commissioned Ipsos India, a leading market research agency, to reach out to over 4,100 people with type 2 diabetes diagnosed for over 18 months between the ages of 36 – 65 years, across socio-economic classes.

The objective of the study was to gain insights on what they eat, the meal plate’s role on blood sugar variability and impact on overall diabetes management. Through in-depth interviews, respondents shared details of their diet, monitoring and exercise. The frequency of meals and the quantity was measured through customized bowls, glasses, which was then converted to grams and calories.

The key findings of the study was that 62 per cent of people with diabetes are overweight or obese with a BMI reading in excess of 22.9. Around 55 per cent were diagnosed of diabetes below age 45 years. It reported that 65 per cent have uncontrolled blood sugar levels, and the same number suffered from other medical conditions.

There was also a monitoring apathy of blood sugar levels as close to 40 per cent of respondents prefer to do only one test and this is usually fasting.

“Testing of both fasting and post-meal blood sugars are important. This is because the fasting blood sugar tells us about the liver’s glucose production, while the post-meal blood sugar tells us about the glucose disposal. Controlling both of these is therefore important. However, the post–meal is even more important because the post- meal blood sugars have been linked to cardiovascular disease in many studies, said Dr V Mohan, chairman and chief diabetologist of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai.

“The current Food, Spike and Diabetes survey confirms the findings of the STARCH study where cereals, roti and rice are the primary source of carbohydrates in the Indian meal plate,” stated Prof Shashank Joshi, president of Indian Academy of Diabetes and senior endocrinologist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai.