India belongs to Serge in two old health conditions: Steotic Lever Diseases (MASLD) associated with metabolic dysfunction, earlier known as fatty liver, and type 2 diabetes.

Masld now affects about 27.4% of the population, while more than 77 million Indians are living with diabetes.

Doctors have said that the combination of both diseases is dangerous, as it pose a risk of serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, liver cancer and stroke.

To deal with this growing health crisis, a panel of global and Indian health experts has released new clinical guidelines that focus on how Asian Indian patients can manage both diabetes and fatty liver more effectively.

These guidelines published in diabetes and metabolic syndrome journals emphasize changes in diet and lifestyle, especially moving towards a plant-based diet.

Why Indians should reconsider saturated fat

Guidelines recommend cutting back on saturated fat such as ghee, butter, and coconut oil, foods that are often considered wrongly healthy. Experts reported that excessive intake of these fat can increase the high risk of liver fat, chronic inflammation and metabolic diseases.

“Insulin resistance, overweight, and obesity are the main reasons behind both diabetes and fatty liver,” Dr. Zeeshan Ali said, a nutritionist with the Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

How to help plant-based diet

Research suggests that a complete food, plant-based diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains and seeds, can greatly improve blood sugar levels and reduce liver fat. According to studies, people following such diet have seen a 30% decline in liver fat within a few weeks, and many people were able to reduce their diabetes.

In a random study mentioned in the guidelines, 43% of people were able to reduce their diabetes drugs after a diet based on low -fat, plants. In contrast, only 26% in the traditional diet group achieved the same result.

“Plant-based diets target the root causes of diabetes, excess fat inside cells, insulin resistance and inflammation,” Dr. Ali said. “They not only support blood sugar control, but also improve liver health and overall metabolic balance.”

What guidelines recommend

• Eat more plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, nuts and seeds
• Pay attention to complex carbohydrates like millet, oats and brown rice
• Avoid saturated fat like ghee, butter, coconut oil
• Do not say for alcohol, which deteriorates liver health
• Get regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity
• Keep a healthy body weight

For millions of Indians living with diabetes and liver disease, switching on more plants-based, low-fat diets can provide a simple and powerful way to improve their health.

The new guidelines provide both doctors and patients with a clear, evidence-based roadmap to better manage these diseases, which are on their plate.