India is grappling with an alarming rise in two major health conditions: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), previously known as fatty liver, and type 2 diabetes. Affecting nearly 27.4% of the population, MASLD now joins the ranks of the 77 million Indians battling diabetes. Both conditions, when combined, increase the risk of serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, liver cancer, and stroke.
To address this escalating public health crisis, an expert panel comprising both global and Indian health professionals has issued new clinical guidelines aimed at helping Asian Indian patients manage both diseases effectively. The guidelines, published in the journal Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, advocate for significant dietary and lifestyle changes, with a strong emphasis on plant-based diets.
Rethinking Saturated Fats
A key recommendation in the new guidelines is a reduction in the consumption of saturated fats, such as ghee, butter, and coconut oil. These fats, often mistakenly regarded as healthy, contribute to increased liver fat, chronic inflammation, and a heightened risk of metabolic diseases. According to Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a nutrition expert with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), insulin resistance, obesity, and being overweight are major contributors to both diabetes and fatty liver disease.
The Benefits of Plant-Based Diets
Research supports the effectiveness of a whole-food, plant-based diet in managing blood sugar levels and reducing liver fat. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and seeds have shown a 30% reduction in liver fat within weeks, with many individuals even able to reduce their diabetes medication. One randomized study mentioned in the guidelines revealed that 43% of participants on a low-fat, plant-based diet reduced their diabetes medications, compared to only 26% in the conventional diet group.
“Plant-based diets address the root causes of diabetes—excess fat inside cells, insulin resistance, and inflammation,” said Dr. Ali. “These diets not only support blood glucose control but also enhance liver health and overall metabolic function.”
Expert Dietary Recommendations
The new guidelines provide a clear and actionable approach to managing these chronic conditions. They recommend:
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Incorporating more plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds.
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Focusing on complex carbohydrates, such as millets, oats, and brown rice.
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Avoiding saturated fats, including ghee, butter, and coconut oil.
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Steering clear of alcohol, which exacerbates liver damage.
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Engaging in regular physical activity to enhance insulin sensitivity.
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Maintaining a healthy body weight.
For millions of Indians affected by both fatty liver and diabetes, adopting a plant-based, low-fat diet may serve as a simple yet effective strategy to improve health outcomes, potentially reducing reliance on medications.
These new clinical guidelines provide both healthcare professionals and patients with a solid, evidence-based framework for managing these diseases, beginning with dietary choices.
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