Diabetes: this “improved” rice could slow the global explosion of the disease according to researchers

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. With a constantly increasing prevalence, it is a major public health issue. According to the International Diabetes Federation, nearly 540 million people are currently living with this disease, and this figure could reach 783 million by 2045. The majority of these cases concern type 2 diabeteswhich is often linked to lifestyle factors such as an unbalanced diet and increased sedentary lifestyle. Faced with this growing threat, researchers from the International Rice Research Institute set out to develop an innovative rice with a low glycemic index and rich in protein. This rice could potentially improve the diets of millions of people, particularly in Asia and Africa, where rice is a staple food. This innovation could therefore play a key role in the fight against diabetes.

Understanding type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance. This means that the body becomes less and less efficient at using insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood glucose. This resistance causes blood sugar to rise, forcing the pancreas to produce more insulin to compensate. However, over the long term, the pancreas becomes exhausted and insulin production decreases, making high blood sugar worse.

The causes of type 2 diabetes are multiple. They include socio-economic, demographic, environmental and genetic factors. Lifestyle also plays a key role: the increase in cases of obesity, the adoption of sedentary lifestyles and a diet rich in processed foods are major risk factors.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased significantly in recent years, particularly affecting children, adolescents and young adults. Although high-income countries were first affected, the disease is spreading rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Asia. This region of the world is particularly vulnerable due to the high consumption of white rice, which has a high glycemic index.

The role of rice in the world’s diet

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population, particularly in Asia, where it is an essential source of calories and nutrients. However, traditional white rice has a high glycemic indexmeaning it can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose after consumption. This characteristic makes it less suitable for people suffering from diabetes or at risk of developing this disease.

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In response to this problem, the International Rice Research Institute has undertaken to genetically modify rice to reduce its glycemic index while increasing its protein content. This effort aims to provide a healthier alternative to conventional rice that can help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Researchers used genetic modification and artificial intelligence techniques to examine hundreds of rice seed samples. Their goal was to identify genes responsible for low glycemic index and high protein, then combine them to create new, more nutritious rice lines.

The development of rice with a low glycemic index

Researchers have succeeded in creating lines of rice with a very low glycemic index and a high protein content. The key to this innovation lies in the manipulation of amylose, a component of starch. Amylose has a tight helical structure that resists digestion, meaning rice with high amylose is digested more slowly.

The rice lines developed were obtained by crossing a variety of Samba Mahsurirecognized for its grain quality, with an “amylose extender” called IR36. This resulted in grains with amylose content ranging from 18 to 36.8%. In vitro glycemic index values ​​for these lines ranged from 46 (ultra-low) to 65 (intermediate), while grain protein content ranged from 6 to 15.5%.

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This rice, rich in protein and amylose, could therefore revolutionize the diet of people suffering from diabetes or at risk of developing this disease. It offers a nutritious alternative to traditional white rice, with the ability to slow the digestion and absorption of glucose, contributing to better glycemic control.

Potential impact on global health

The development of this innovative rice could have a significant impact on global health, particularly in regions where rice is a staple food. The availability of low-glycemic, high-protein rice could help improve the diets of millions of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the prevalence of diabetes is high.

Additionally, this rice could play a crucial role in reducing protein and essential amino acid deficiencies. By offering a richer and more diversified source of protein, it could help meet the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations. This is particularly important in regions where access to animal protein sources is limited.

IRRI researchers also point out that this rice could be used to develop gluten-free rice protein supplements, suitable for diabetics and enriched with essential amino acids for human health. This could open up new opportunities for the food industry and global nutrition.

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Next step: implementation and challenges

Although the development of this low-glycemic index and high-protein rice is promising, there are still challenges ahead for its large-scale implementation. One of the main challenges is to ensure that these new rice lines can be grown efficiently in varied environments, while maintaining yields comparable to traditional varieties.

Additionally, it will be essential to work with farmers, governments and local communities to promote the adoption of this innovative rice. This involves raising awareness among populations of the health benefits of this rice, as well as overcoming possible cultural or economic resistance to its adoption.

Finally, as Dr. Lindsey Smith Taillie points out, rice alone will not be enough to eradicate the global epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Complementary measures, such as imposing taxes on sugary drinks and ultrafoods -processed, will be necessary to tackle the root causes of this disease.

The development of rice with a low glycemic index and rich in protein represents a significant step forward in the fight against diabetes and nutritional deficiencies. However, the question remains: how will this innovative rice be integrated into global food systems to maximize its impact on public health?

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