A Study on Millets and Their Role in Diabetes Management
Ms Sonu Khadse,Ms Dewalrani Yelne
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where its prevalence is rising rapidly. In 2019, diabetes was the tenth leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 1.9 million fatalities, and projections suggest that by 2050, around 592 million people could be affected by the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes this increase to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and urbanization, which have led to a rise in non communicable diseases (NCDs) In India, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, with over 101 million individuals diagnosed and an additional 15.7% of the population classified as prediabetic.
Recent research emphasizes the potential benefits of incorporating millets into the diets of individuals with diabetes. Millets are nutrient-dense grains that are gluten-free, low on the glycemic index, and high in fiber, making them suitable for blood glucose management. They are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals. The United Nations has recognized 2023 as the International Year of Millets, highlighting their importance in promoting food security and health.
Millets are small-seeded cereal grains belonging to the grass family, cultivated for thousands of years as staple crops. They are highly adaptable to diverse climates, including arid and semi-arid regions, making them valuable for sustainable agriculture. India is the largest producer of millets globally, contributing significantly to their cultivation and consumption. (jail, march 2012) millets are rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, offering health benefits such as improved digestion and reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.
addition to staple food crops, such as wheat and rice, which people have been eating for years, millet remains highly nutritious and beneficial, but it is an underutilized crop that has a multitude of benefits for health; the most beneficial are low glycemic index (GI), high fiber content, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), non-acid-forming potential, and being gluten-free (7). Millets are nutrients rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, essential fatty acids, energy, carbohydrates, plant chemicals, and non-glycemic polysaccharides .Millet grains show huge benefits in their resistance to drought and high-yield production in areas with less water availability.
Millets are not just good for health but the planet as well.millet are considered a smart food because they are environmentally sustainable with a lower cardon footprint. They have multiple uses from food and fodder to brewing and biofuels.
