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In recent years, deep-fried, baked, and grilled ultra-processed foods have become a staple in many Indian homes. These foods, readily available on almost every street corner, are now being cited as a major factor behind the alarming rise in diabetes cases across the country. According to health experts, the consumption of these unhealthy food items is contributing to chronic inflammation, which is linked to diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.
India currently faces a diabetes crisis, with over 101 million individuals living with the condition. Recent findings from the ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians reveal that more than 10% of children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19 are pre-diabetic. The surge in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, has experts pointing to the role of ultra-processed foods in fueling this epidemic.
A new study, published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, has found that deep-fried, baked, and grilled foods are rich in harmful compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These compounds, formed when sugar molecules bind to proteins or fats in a process called glycation, can lead to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation—conditions that pave the way for diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
“When we fry or grill foods, it leads to oxidative stress, a promoter of inflammation,” said Dr. V. Mohan from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) in Chennai, who led the study in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). “Chronic inflammation is closely linked to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer. Ultra-processed foods and those high in trans fats are particularly harmful to health,” he added.
The study identified several AGE-rich foods that are commonly consumed in India, such as fried snacks, biscuits, bakery products, and margarine. These foods not only increase the risk of diabetes but are also associated with obesity, another major contributor to the disease. On the other hand, foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and tree nuts—classified as low-AGE foods—were found to have a protective effect against diabetes.
“Foods high in dietary AGEs were directly linked to type 2 diabetes and inflammation, while low-AGE foods were protective,” Dr. Mohan explained. He emphasized that choosing a diet rich in whole foods, such as broccoli, oats, dairy, and nuts, could significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
The role of trans fats, particularly in India’s popular street foods, is also a concern. “Much of the deep-fried food in India, especially street food, is made using reheated oil, which is very rich in trans fats. This increases the risk of heart disease and even certain types of cancer,” warned Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Max Healthcare, New Delhi.
While many believe that grilled or baked foods are healthier alternatives, experts caution against this assumption. “Grilled foods, despite not being fried, are exposed to high temperatures, which can lead to the production of toxic aromatic compounds, some of which are carcinogenic,” said Dr. Mithal. Baked foods, particularly those rich in carbohydrates, are also problematic, as they can contribute to obesity and, subsequently, diabetes.
The MDRF study also highlighted the impact of India’s traditional diet, particularly the excessive consumption of white rice and refined wheat, on the diabetes epidemic. “Excess carbohydrate intake in the form of white rice or refined wheat is a direct driver of the diabetes crisis in India,” Dr. Mohan stated.
In addition to unhealthy diets, factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and air pollution are further exacerbating the problem.
Experts are calling for urgent government intervention to address this growing public health challenge. “Government policy should be directed towards encouraging the cultivation and promotion of foods low in dietary AGEs, especially fruits with a low glycemic index and green leafy vegetables,” Dr. Mohan urged.
Promoting healthy eating habits, particularly among children and adolescents, and raising awareness about the risks of ultra-processed foods will be critical in curbing the diabetes epidemic in India. The fight against diabetes must begin with a shift towards whole, unprocessed foods and a greater emphasis on balanced, nutritious diets.
