Table 2 Areas of need, strategies, and recommendations for global collaborative studies on carbohydrate quality and diabetes prevention

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Systematic and recurring dietary assessment and surveillance at the global level

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Standardized data collection on level of processing and refinement and consumption by type of carbohydrate source

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Studies on the carbohydrate quality and the effect of roots, tubers, minor grains, and mixed meals on diabetes biomarkers

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Evidence of whole grain effects using sustainable and cultural approaches in larger studies in free-living, community settings

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Conduct formative research to identify main foods, cultural attitudes, and dietary preferences in the specific population

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Adapt the intervention using culturally-accepted foods and settings, as supported by evidence

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Preserve cultural preferences for sensory qualities of foods

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Harness people’s willingness to switch to healthy foods and interest in health benefits into high participation in dietary interventions and programs

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Promote health benefits of high-quality staple foods (knowledge and skills that could help increase intake; mass media health promotion)

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Consider cost-reducing strategies of the high-quality staple foods, such as subsidies or incentives

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Consider cost increases or limiting the availability of low-quality staple foods, such as taxes or bans

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Develop large-scale global changes in food marketing, trade, promotion, regulations and policies

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Challenges include limited advocacy, capacity and resources; coordinating multiple sites; navigating diverse social norms and policies; and securing international funding

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Trans-disciplinary partnerships can help share ideas, advice, education, training, capacity-building, resources, expertise, and funding

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Leverage existing global policy frameworks

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Partner with similar initiatives as well as with national government agencies and community partners