Indians and other Asian populations experience significantly higher post-meal blood sugar spikes despite developing diabetes at lower body mass index (BMI) levels than their Western counterparts, highlighting the need for treatment strategies that go beyond conventional HbA1c targets, internationally acclaimed diabetologist and metabolic physician Dr. Banshi Saboo said.
Delivering a lecture on “Why Acarbose Matters in Indian Diabetes Management” at the 14th edition of the three-day Annual Global Diabetes Convention at Uday Samudra, Kovalam, Dr. Saboo stressed that focusing solely on HbA1c does not adequately address the unique metabolic characteristics of Indian patients.
The convention is being led by Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev, Organising Secretary of Jothydev’s Professional Education Forum (JPEF) and Chairman and Managing Director of Jothydev’s Diabetes Research Centre, bringing together diabetes specialists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss advances in diabetes care and management.
According to Dr. Saboo, Indians tend to develop diabetes at a younger age and at lower BMI levels compared to Western populations. He noted that many Indian patients experience pronounced post-prandial, or post-meal, glucose spikes, which significantly contribute to overall glycaemic burden and increase the risk of long-term complications.
He explained that early beta-cell dysfunction, combined with carbohydrate-rich dietary patterns commonly seen across India, makes post-meal glucose control a critical component of diabetes management. While HbA1c remains an important marker of long-term blood sugar control, it may not fully capture the harmful effects of repeated glucose excursions after meals.
Dr. Saboo highlighted the role of Acarbose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, in slowing carbohydrate absorption and reducing post-meal blood sugar surges. He said the drug can be particularly beneficial for Indian patients whose diabetes profile is characterised by high post-prandial glucose levels despite relatively lower BMI.
He called for a more individualised approach to diabetes care that addresses both fasting and post-meal glucose levels, alongside lifestyle modifications, dietary management, and timely medical intervention. Such strategies, he said, could help reduce diabetes-related complications and improve long-term health outcomes among Indian patients.
The convention continues with expert sessions focusing on emerging therapies, technology-driven diabetes management, precision medicine, and patient-centred approaches aimed at improving diabetes care in India.
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