What if you learned that a new diabetes-fighting rice variety could help reduce the risk of diabetes? A leading research institute in the Philippines has announced the development of this rice variety, which could potentially lower the risk of diabetes and improve health outcomes in affected communities. This discovery is particularly significant because rice is a staple food for the majority of the Asian population, but the region also accounts for 60 percent of the world’s diabetes patients.

Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu, the principal scientist at the grain quality and nutrition centre of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), who developed the rice, stated that this variety could soon be cultivated in India.

According to reports, IRRI plans to introduce the rice to farmers in several countries across Asia and Africa as early as 2025.

How This Rice Variety Cures Diabetes

Over 537 million adults worldwide currently live with diabetes, a number expected to rise to 783 million by 2045.

This chronic disease is influenced by lifestyle factors, such as being overweight, as well as genetics. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, and cells become resistant to it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

The glycemic index (GI) indicates the speed at which a food increases blood sugar levels.Foods with a GI below 45 are considered ultra-low in sugar. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has developed a new variety of rice with a low GI, aimed at reducing the risk of diabetes.

new diabetes-fighting rice variety
Image Source: Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy

According to IRRI scientists, this rice variety is also rich in protein and looks similar to white rice, though with smaller grains. It was created by transforming regular rice varieties into low- or ultra-low-GI rice.

IRRI has already released two low-GI rice varieties in the Philippines, known as IRRI 125 and IRRI 147.

Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu, quoted by The Guardian, explained: “We aimed to develop a low glycemic index diet, not just for diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals, but as a healthier option overall. This could significantly impact rice-consuming countries in Asia and Africa."

Currently limited to IRRI’s laboratories, this rice will soon be cultivated on farms. Sreenivasulu also stated that the plan is to begin growing it in India and the Philippines as part of IRRI’s mission to reduce poverty and hunger in rice-dependent nations.

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 90% of the world's rice production and consumption.

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