Diet and Lifestyle Guidelines and Desirable Levels of Risk Factors for the Prevention of Diabetes and its Vascular Complications in Indians: A Scientific Statement of the International College of Nutrition

Background There has been a rapid increase in the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in India, in association with rapid changes in diet and lifestyle. In adults, the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease is two- to threefold greater in the urban population than in rural populations; it is associated with modest insulin resistance in urban groups.Methods In response to a proposal by the International College of Nutrition that specialist experts should develop consensus recommendations for the prevention of chronic diseases, Indian specialists in diabetes and vascular disease have collaborated to produce guidelines relevant to the population of India.Recommendations Because Indian urban populations have a modest increase in overweight and low rates of obesity in association with the rapid emergence of diabetes and cardiovascular risk, a body mass index of 21 kg/m2 should be considered safe, with a range of 19-23 kg/m2 acceptable; > 23 kg/m2 should be considered ove...