Telangana is facing growing health risks due to unbalanced dietary habits, according to the latest Indian Council of Medical Research–India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study. Using data from 18,090 adults across India, the survey found that Telangana residents derive nearly 67 percent of their daily calories from rice and other refined cereals, while total carbohydrate intake averages 70 percent, exceeding the recommended 50 percent.

Fat intake is also higher than advised, particularly saturated fats, while healthy fats such as omega-3s remain low. Protein intake is inadequate, contributing only about 10 percent of daily calories, mainly from cereals and pulses, with minimal dairy or animal protein. Fruit and vegetable consumption is insufficient, and reliance on refined grains like white rice is high.

High carbohydrate diets combined with low protein and micronutrient intake are linked to increased metabolic risks, including diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, and cardiometabolic diseases. Nationally, 12 percent of adults have diabetes, 15.4 percent are prediabetic, 28.6 percent are obese, and 40 percent have abdominal obesity.

The study’s substitution analysis revealed that replacing even 5 percent of daily calories from carbohydrates with plant-based or dairy proteins can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes and prediabetes, whereas replacing carbohydrates with fats or red meat protein does not offer the same benefit.

ICMR suggests urgent action from state and central governments to promote balanced diets. Public awareness campaigns, encouragement of pulses, legumes, dairy, and other protein-rich foods, and reduction of excessive carbohydrates and saturated fats are recommended to improve nutrition and curb lifestyle-related diseases in Telangana and across India.