Low GI rice seen as promising solution to mitigate Asia’s diabetes crisis

Los Baños, Philippines (16 December 2024) — A new paper recently published by scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Max Planck Institute is exploring the potential of low glycemic index (Low GI) rice to combat the growing diabetes epidemic, particularly in Asia.

The rise in type 2 diabetes poses a significant global health challenge, with over 537 million people affected in 2021, a number that is projected to exceed 780 million by 2045. In Asia, consumers face an acute diabetes risk due to the high consumption of calorie-dense sugary drinks, ultra-processed food, and refined carbohydrates, including polished white rice, a staple food linked to increased glycemic load.

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