For millions in India, managing diabetes or insulin resistance is a daily journey defined by every meal and every choice. It goes far beyond just medication or checking sugar levels. Despite efforts to eat healthily, many remain confused by unpredictable blood sugar fluctuations. What is the missing piece? According to a leading expert, the answer lies in combining specific nutrients with intelligent, sustainable lifestyle habits.
The Role of Myo-Inositol in Sugar Metabolism
In an exclusive interview, Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, highlighted the growing scientific interest in nutrients that support metabolic health. One such compound is myo-inositol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that plays a structural role in cells.
"Myo-inositol is known to help improve insulin sensitivity," explains Dr. Mohan. This means it assists the body's cells in using glucose from the bloodstream more effectively, thereby helping to control blood sugar levels. It can be taken as a supplement, potentially aiding in diabetes prevention or management.
However, Dr. Mohan emphasises a critical point: myo-inositol is not a standalone magic solution. "It should be considered as a supportive nutrient and not a substitute for proper diabetes care," he states. Its benefits are maximised when integrated with a foundation of healthy eating, regular exercise, and consistent monitoring.
Building Insulin Sensitivity Through Daily Habits
Drawing from decades of clinical experience, Dr. Mohan asserts that simple, consistent eating habits make a remarkable difference. The cornerstone of his advice is long-term sustainability over quick fixes.
Foods to Embrace:
- Whole grains and legumes
- Plenty of vegetables
- Low-glycaemic fruits
- Nuts and seeds
Foods to Reduce:
- Refined carbohydrates
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Processed snacks
He strongly advocates for the 'healthy plate' concept: fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, one quarter with whole grains or cereals, and the remaining quarter with a protein source like dhal, pulses, or lean meat. This balance of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps prevent sharp glucose spikes. Equally important are regular meal timings and controlled portion sizes.
Making the Food-Blood Sugar Connection Clear
A major challenge in diabetes education is helping people visually understand the direct impact of their food choices. Dr. Mohan points out that real awareness and lasting behaviour change occur when individuals see evidence for themselves.
"When a person is able to see how one meal spikes his or her sugar levels while another keeps them steady, the learning becomes effective," he says. Tools like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can provide this immediate feedback. Education using simple visuals, plate models, and culturally familiar foods makes the learning process more engaging and practical for patients.
Respecting Culture in Diabetes-Friendly Diets
A common fear is that managing diabetes means giving up cherished traditional foods. Dr. Mohan firmly dispels this myth. The goal for doctors and nutritionists, he says, is not to change what people eat, but how they eat it.
Traditional Indian diets often inherently contain good balance. The key is in the modification and combination. For instance, an idli meal can be paired with sambar and a generous serving of vegetables. A biryani can be balanced with a side of curd and a fibre-rich salad.
"I insist that we should not ask individuals to give up their cultural foods," Dr. Mohan states. Instead, the focus should be on guiding them to modify recipes, choose healthier ingredients, and create balanced meals that align with both their health needs and personal preferences. This approach ensures that diabetes management is a sustainable and integrated part of life, not a restrictive burden.
In conclusion, the path to better metabolic health is woven from daily threads: supportive nutrients like myo-inositol, evidence-based eating habits, a clear understanding of food's impact, and a respectful adaptation of traditional cuisines. As Dr. Mohan's insights reveal, effective diabetes care is a holistic lifestyle narrative, authored one mindful choice at a time.
