Managing Diabetes Mellitus With Millets: A New Solution

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and the disease's prevalence is increasing with each passing day. DM can be prevented and controlled with modifications to the diet, especially by incorporating millet in the diet. Throughout history, eating habits have been recognized for their significant contribution to promoting health and wellness by eating foods rich in nutrients. Millet is an underutilized food crop with many benefits for health, with the most beneficial being low glycemic index, high fiber content, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), non-acid-forming potential, and gluten-free. In addition to staple food crops, such as wheat, rice, and foxtail millet, millets are still highly nutritious and beneficial and have great potential to help the world combat the food insecurity many countries face today. Millets are in the top positions of recommended dietary charts with their numerous health benefits and antioxidant properties.

Unlocking the Potential: Millets and Their Impact on Diabetes Management

“…The consumption of nutrient-rich cereals is associated with several health benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels (diabetes), controlling blood pressure, and providing protection against thyroid, cardiovascular, and cancer diseases [ 12 ]. Farmers have economic prospects due to the increased demand for millets, particularly in areas where they are historically farmed.…”

“…The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that proteins should make up 15% of total calories, lipids should make up 25%-35%, and carbohydrates should make up 45%-60%. Additionally, one should consume at least 14 g of fiber for every 1,000 calories, and one should restrict their daily sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg [ 12 ]. To manage postprandial hyperglycemia and reduce body weight, the current guidelines for DM call for adopting safe, nutrient-dense diets, especially those that include low-GI starchy carbohydrates and increased dietary fiber.…”

“…Millets aid in body weight control, which is crucial for diabetic people. Pearl millet increases insulin sensitivity and reduces triglyceride levels in the body [ 12 ]. Table 1 shows a comparison of the elementary composition of millets with other cereals [ 37 ].…”

“…Apart from the staple food crops that people have been eating for a long time, like rice and wheat, millet is still very beneficial and nutritious. It is an underutilized crop that has many health benefits, the most important of which are that it is gluten-free, low in glycemic index (GI), high in fiber, and contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) [ 12 ]. Millets are incredibly nutrient-dense food crops that are high in iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, fatty acids, protein, and dietary fiber.…”

Role of Genome Sequences of Major and Minor Millets in Strengthening Food and Nutritional Security for Future Generations

“…Millets also contain a higher amount of vitamin B3/niacin, which helps lower certain risk factors of heart diseases such as high cholesterol and triglycerides and is effective in lowering oxidative stress [20]. Millet grains contain the lowest carbohydrate content compared to other cereals (especially rice) and so are highly recommended for people with type 2 diabetes [21]. Oxidative stress can cause various chronic diseases (neurodegenerative disorders, arthritis, and diabetes) [22].…”