Potato Consumption

Source: Diabetes Care
pile of French fries potato wedges with herbs
pile of French fries potato wedges with herbs

Potatoes are widely consumed among Indians as a staple food. They primarily contain starches and have high glycaemic load and glycaemic index, and thus, are associated with higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes. To prove the same, a study published in Diabetes Care assessed 3,988,007 participants, of which 15,362 new cases of Type 2 Diabetes were noted during the study period. It was also noted that higher consumption of potatoes (including baked, boiled or mashed potatoes and French fries) was significantly associated with higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Potato consumption was assessed every four years using validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs), and 4-year change in potato consumption from consecutive FFQs was calculated. Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis was confirmed using a validated supplementary questionnaire.

The study showed that increased potato consumption was associated with a higher risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Moreover, increased consumption of French fries was positively associated with subsequent Type 2 Diabetes risk. The findings from this study also suggested that replacing baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes and French fries with whole grains may result in reduced risk for Diabetes. Thus, the next time you consider to eat potatoes, opt for healthier alternatives.

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