Experts have called for urgent preventive measures to fight the alarming surge in global diabetes.
Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of the International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), said diabetes-related deaths have risen by 70 per cent since 2000.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of diabetes in Kenya is at 3.3 per cent and this could rise to 4.5 per cent by 2025.
The statistics show that diabetes cases in Kenya are rising at an alarming rate due to change of lifestyle, which has led to eating unhealthy diets.
Hughes said the surge in global diabetics is projected to reach a staggering 700 million people by 2045.
“These statistics are alarming and prompt a call for urgent preventative measures. Research underscores the pivotal role of diet in managing and preventing diabetes, urging us to explore wholesome, nutrient-dense options to combat this global health crisis,” she said.
She noted that traditional diets rich in millets, such as those in India and several African nations, have long been associated with reduced incidences of diabetes.
“Just one cup of cooked millet, which include sorghum, finger millet, pearl millet, foxtail millet and other small millets, provides an impressive dose of fiber, making it a delicious and effective addition to a diabetes-friendly diet,” Hughes said.
Millets, a group of diverse grains, are a healthy food option that can aid in managing lifestyle diseases, particularly diabetes.
The low glycemic index (GI) in millets, makes them a crucial factor in stabilising blood sugar levels.
Millets, on average, have a GI of 52.7 which is less than white rice (66), corn flour (70) and refined wheat flour (85).
"Even after common cooking methods like boiling, baking, and steaming, studies reveal that millets maintain a lower GI than rice, wheat and maize,” she added.
Beyond their low GI, she added that millets are also rich in dietary fiber.
Studies show that high-fiber diets are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar control.
“Millets are also known for their exemplary nutritional benefits. These grains are a powerhouse of essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are particularly rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Zinc and magnesium may both have a role in regulating blood sugar levels,” Hughes said.
A review of 32 controlled studies conducted in 2019 underscores the importance of zinc in reducing several glycemic indicators in people living with diabetes.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2021, shows that 10.5 per cent of the adult population (20-79 years) has diabetes, with almost half unaware that they are living with the condition.
By 2045, IDF projections show that one in eight adults, approximately 783 million, will be living with diabetes. This is an increase of 46 per cent.
Over 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which is driven by socio-economic, demographic, environmental, and genetic factors.
The report attributes the rise in type 2 diabetes to urbanisation, an ageing population, decreasing levels of physical activity and increasing overweight and obesity prevalence.
The United Nations declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, and this sparked much-needed global conversations about these grains.
“There is a growing momentum towards making these grains a dietary mainstay. But to be sustainable, the shift towards embracing millets must move beyond a health trend to a community-led movement,” she said.
Hughes pointed out that ICRISAT understands the need to make millets easily accessible and convenient for consumers.
“The journey of millets, from farm to plate, takes various routes to reach both rural and urban consumers. In rural areas, policies and subsidies help integrate millets into school meals and public distribution systems. In urban settings, millet adoption hinges on promoting health benefits, culinary versatility, and tasty, convenient options,” she said.
Hughes said governments, policymakers, national and international organisations, and civil society should work together to create awareness about the advantages of millets in managing diabetes, which has reached alarming proportions due to modern lifestyles.
“A broad alliance of educational institutions, healthcare providers, the media and food industries, need to be promoted to engage with the public about the benefits of millets for good nutrition, and more specifically in managing blood sugar levels," she said.
"As we collectively seek a path towards better health, whether managing diabetes or seeking a proactive approach to well-being, let us consider integrating millets into our meals.”