In a promising development from the Philippines, scientists have engineered a new rice variety that may significantly reduce the global burden of diabetes. This breakthrough comes as over 537 million adults are currently living with diabetes—a figure projected to rise to 783 million by 2045.
Dr. Lindsey Smith Taillie, a nutritional epidemiologist at the University of North Carolina, highlighted the growing concern over diabetes prevalence, noting that while it has long been a major issue in high-income countries, low- and middle-income nations are now experiencing alarming increases as well.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Philippines, alongside collaborators from the University of California, the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, and Bulgaria’s Centre of Plant Systems Biology, has developed a rice variety with a lower glycaemic index and increased protein content. This innovation aims to address diabetes, particularly in regions where rice is a staple food.
White rice, prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region where over 90% of the world’s rice is produced and consumed, is known for its high glycaemic index, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. This has been linked to type 2 diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases. To counter this, IRRI’s research team screened 380 seed samples over a decade, identifying key genetic markers for desirable traits. They then created “inbred lines” of rice that are healthier and more diabetes-friendly.
Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu, principal scientist at IRRI’s grain quality and nutrition centre, expressed hope that this new rice variety could provide a valuable dietary option for people with diabetes or those at risk. He emphasized the potential impact in Asia and Africa, regions heavily reliant on rice consumption.
Despite the promising development, Dr. Taillie cautioned that focusing solely on rice might not resolve the global diabetes crisis. She argued that sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods are more significant contributors to the disease. Instead, Taillie advocates for comprehensive policies, including taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and improved food labeling, to address the broader issue of diabetes.
The new rice variety is still in the experimental phase and has yet to be cultivated outside IRRI’s laboratories. Plans are underway to test its production in India and the Philippines, following previous successes like the golden rice project aimed at combating vitamin A deficiencies.
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