Scientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines have successfully developed a new rice variety that has the potential to help reduce the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide.
It is estimated that approximately 537 million adults globally are living with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 783 million in the next 20 years.
IRRI’s ultra-low glycemic index rice sample – (Photo: IRRI)/
The majority of the Asian population consumes rice, and 60% of diabetes patients worldwide reside in this region. Therefore, the new rice variety with an ultra-low glycemic index will contribute to reducing health risks for the population.
According to WION, Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu, a lead scientist at the Nutritional and Quality Grains Center at IRRI, where this rice is developed, stated that this rice variety could soon be cultivated in India.
In fact, nearly a year ago, the first sample of ultra-low glycemic index rice was presented to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the opening ceremony of the World Rice Congress 2023 in mid-October 2023.
“With this research, we strive to ensure the health of consumers. We hope to collaborate with countries to accelerate the utilization of rice varieties with low and ultra-low glycemic indices,” said IRRI Director General Ajay Kohli at that time.
Field of ultra-low glycemic index rice at IRRI – (Photo: IRRI).
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a very common chronic metabolic disorder. When afflicted, the body loses the ability to use or produce insulin properly, resulting in blood sugar levels exceeding normal ranges, and the body cannot regulate blood sugar back to normal levels.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 is an autoimmune condition that cannot be prevented, requiring patients to use insulin daily; type 2 diabetes can be managed to some extent through lifestyle and dietary changes, sometimes avoiding medication altogether.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes can improve their condition by following a diet with a low glycemic index (GI).
According to Diabetes Canada, GI is a scale from 1-100 that ranks foods or beverages containing carbohydrates based on their effect on blood sugar levels after consumption. High GI foods (70 and above) raise blood sugar levels more significantly and rapidly than low GI foods (55 and below). Most rice varieties available today have a GI ranging from 70 to 72.
White rice is notorious for its high glycemic index. However, IRRI has developed a rice variety with a low GI of around 25, while still being rich in protein. This new rice variety resembles white rice but has smaller grains.
Researchers at IRRI have screened 380 seed samples over 10 years to select genes with lower GIs and higher protein content. They combined these traits to create a healthier rice that poses no risk of causing diabetes.
Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu confirmed that if a diet with a low GI can be implemented, which is considered healthier, it will not only benefit those with diabetes and prediabetes but also serve as an effective intervention against the rising cases of diabetes.
According to The Guardian, this project by IRRI is still undergoing trials in the Philippines, with hopes to expand cultivation to several countries in Africa and Asia by 2025.
