New Delhi, May 15:
A well-organized online nutrition program may help solve India’s diabetes problem by removing difficulties people face in following a healthy diet, according to a new study led by an Indian-origin researcher.

The study was done by the US-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). It found that people who followed a doctor-led, plant-based diet program showed clear health improvements. These included using fewer medicines, losing weight, and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

The study is important for India, where over 101 million adults have diabetes and another 136 million are at risk of developing it. The lead author, Dr. Vanita Rahman, said India needs solutions that fit its healthcare challenges. She added that although diet changes can control diabetes, many people struggle because of short doctor visits, less follow-up, and limited access to care—especially in smaller cities.

The 12-week program had 76 adults with type 2 diabetes. Out of 58 people who finished it, 22% reduced their diabetes medicine, lost an average of 3.7 kilograms, and lowered their blood sugar by 0.6%. Their cholesterol levels also improved without using cholesterol medicines.

Dr. Rahman said these results are very useful for India, where many people already eat vegetarian or plant-based diets. With small changes like eating less fat and more whole foods, this program can fit well in Indian homes.