A groundbreaking clinical trial has linked the consumption of AGE (Advanced Glycation End Products)-rich foods to India’s status as the world’s diabetes capital. Foods like chips, other fried foods, cakes, mayonnaise, and ultra-processed foods are high in AGEs.

The government-funded study, conducted by researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), found that consuming AGE-rich foods leads to inflammation, a key factor in diabetes.

Published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, the study revealed that following a low-AGE diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk, can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in overweight and obese individuals.

Previous research has shown that highly processed foods, abundant in fat, sugar, salt, and AGEs, increase the risk of chronic diseases. While data on AGEs in Indian diets and their impact on cardiometabolic markers was limited, this study aimed to fill that gap. Indians are particularly susceptible to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

The study investigated the effects of low- and high-AGE diets on glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation in overweight and obese Indian adults. Thirty-eight non-diabetic adults, either overweight or obese, were divided into two groups and participated in the clinical trial.

What are AGEs, and how do they contribute to diabetes?

AGEs, or Advanced Glycation End Products, are harmful compounds that form when proteins and sugars combine under high heat or prolonged exposure, said consultant dietician and diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra

“This process, called glycation, occurs naturally in the body, but it can also be accelerated by consuming certain foods like processed meat, baked goods, fried and canned foods. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, studies suggest that AGEs can contribute to diabetes in several ways,” she explained in an interaction with indianexpress.com. 

This is how:

1. Insulin Resistance

AGEs can interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin. Over time, insulin resistance can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.

2. Inflammation

AGEs can trigger inflammation in the body, damaging tissues, including the pancreas, where insulin is produced. Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of diabetes.

3. Oxidative Stress

AGEs can generate harmful free radicals, damaging cells and tissues. This oxidative stress can contribute to the development of diabetes and other chronic diseases.