Dr. Reddy’s and Nestlé Health Science Limited, a joint venture between Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd and Nestlé India Limited referred hereafter as “Nestlé India”, released the key findings of a new research paper published in an international journal “Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome & Obesity”. The paper highlights the need for an India-specific approach to diabetes nutrition that extends beyond blood glucose management and addresses the metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle realities.
Drawing on insights from 60 endocrinologists and diabetologists across India, the paper examines key characteristics that distinguish patients with diabetes in India and offers practical considerations for improving nutrition management in routine clinical practice.
India is home to one of the world’s largest populations of people living with diabetes. An overwhelming 98% of experts agreed that the condition has distinct characteristics that require tailored nutrition strategies, while 86% considered recognizing these differences important to effective diabetes management.
According to the experts surveyed, the key features of diabetes in Indian patients include high carbohydrate intake (82%), central obesity (78%), insulin resistance (76%), inadequate protein intake (75%), poor lean muscle mass (69%), and genetic predisposition (67%). These factors should be considered when designing nutrition plans for Indian patients.
The growing overlap between diabetes and obesity, called “diabesity,” was another key finding. 61% of experts said more than half of their patients with diabetes are overweight or obese, pointing to rising excess weight among people with diabetes in India.
Long-term dietary adherence also remains a challenge, with most experts reporting that no more than 25% of patients stick to dietary recommendations for six months or longer. This points to the need for nutrition strategies that address glycemic control, weight management, metabolic health and overall nutrition outcomes
Dr. Banshi Saboo – Honorary Secretary – Diabetes Indiaand Past President, RSSDI, said, “The findings on diabesity and dietary adherence point to two of the most significant challenges clinicians face in managing diabetes over the long term. Many patients are simultaneously dealing with excess weight and nutritional gaps, while maintaining dietary changes over several months can be difficult.
“This makes it important for clinicians to look beyond prescribing dietary restrictions and focus on approaches that patients can realistically sustain as part of their everyday lives. Supporting patients through achievable dietary changes, appropriate nutritional intake and regular monitoring can be critical to improving long-term diabetes outcomes,” Saboo added.
The paper supports individualised Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and offers expert guidance on the role of clinically proven Diabetes-Specific Nutrition Formulas (DSNFs) for selected patient groups. It also offers practical points to help healthcare professionals decide when these nutritional interventions may fit as part of overall diabetes care.
Dr. Nandan Joshi – Head – Medical & Scientific Affairs – Dr. Reddy’s Nestlé Health Science, added, “India’s diabetes burden is shaped by a unique combination of metabolic, nutritional and lifestyle factors that often require a different approach to nutrition management. While clinical guidelines provide the foundation for care, healthcare professionals also need practical, context-specific guidance that reflects the realities of Indian patients.
“By bringing together insights from experts across the country, this publication helps bridge the gap between evidence and practice, offering clinically relevant considerations that can support more personalized and effective nutrition strategies in diabetes management,” Joshi added.
