‘Old Is Gold’: How Traditional Indian Dietary Practices Can Support Pediatric Diabetes Management
Authors
Sheryl Salis
Department of Nutrition, Nurture Health Solutions, Mumbai 400098, India
Anju Virmani
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi 110017, India; [email protected]
Leena Priyambada
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Hyderabad 500034, India; [email protected]
Meena Mohan
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, PSG Super Speciality Hospital, Coimbatore 641004, India; [email protected]
Kajal Hansda
Department of Nutrition, Diabetes Awareness and You, Kolkata 700039, India; [email protected]
Carine Beaufort
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, DECCP/Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; [email protected]
Keywords:
diabetes management, medical nutrition therapy, traditional Indian practices, ancient food wisdom, India, glycemic control, diabetes education, Indian Thali concept
Abstract
Nutrition is crucial for maintaining normal growth, development, and glycemic control in young people with diabetes (PwD). Undue restrictions cause nutrient deficiencies as well as poor adherence to meal plans. Widespread availability of low-cost, ultra-processed, and hyperpalatable food is further damaging. Most families struggle to find ways to provide nutritious, yet attractive, food with a low glycemic index (GI). India is one of the oldest continuous civilizations with a rich and diverse cultural and culinary heritage. Traditional dietary practices, including the centuries-old ‘Thali’ (meaning plate) concept, emphasize combinations (grains, lentils, vegetables, dairy, spices, prebiotics and probiotics, and fats) of local, seasonal, and predominantly plant-based ingredients. These practices ensure that all of the necessary food groups are provided and fit well with current evidence-based recommendations, including the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) 2018 Guidelines. Techniques for the preparation, cooking, and preservation of food further impact the GI and nutrient availability. These practices benefit nutrient density, diet diversity, and palatability and thus improve adherence to meal plans and glycemic control. This narrative review describes the ancient wisdom, food composition, and culinary practices from across India which are still valuable today. These may be of benefit worldwide to improve glycemic control as well as quality of life, especially in PwD.
Keywords: diabetes management, medical nutrition therapy, traditional Indian practices, ancient food wisdom, India, glycemic control, diabetes education, Indian Thali concept
Author Biographies
Anju Virmani, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi 110017, India; [email protected]
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Pentamed Hospital, Delhi 110009, India
Carine Beaufort, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, DECCP/Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, 1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; [email protected]
Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Free University Hospital Brussels UZ-VUB, 1090 Bruxelles, Belgium
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