Diabetes Food Technology

The Food Technology Department at MDRF was established in 2021 with the primary objective of developing healthy and culturally relevant food choices for individuals with diabetes. The department focuses on understanding the food environment and studying how various processing methods influence the nutritional quality, glycaemic properties, physical structure, and biochemical composition of cereals and millets. Its vision is to support diabetes prevention and management by advancing food-based research, improving public health awareness, and developing evidence-based, health-promoting food products. The department’s mission is to disseminate scientific findings to the community, empowering people to make informed and healthier dietary choices. Its work encompasses a wide range of activities, including market surveys, assessment of millet consumption patterns, microstructural and histochemical analyses, evaluation of grain mineral distribution, phytochemical characterisation, and the development of low-glycaemic, nutrient-rich food products. Over the years, the department has successfully developed several innovative foods such as low- and medium-GI brown rice flakes, finger millet vermicelli, breakfast cereals, snack products, convenience mixes, pasta, soups, and beverages, all tailored to support better metabolic health.

Vision

To advance innovative, science-driven food solutions that support diabetes prevention and management, by developing safe, nutritious, culturally relevant, and evidence-based food products that promote long-term metabolic health.

Mission

The mission of the department is to develop functional foods and culturally relevant nutrition solutions that support glycaemic control and metabolic health. It translates scientific research into practical dietary interventions and innovative food products, while ensuring high standards of safety and quality. The department also builds capacity by training students, researchers, and professionals in evidence-based food technology and nutrition.

The department functions under the leadership of Dr Shobana Shanmugam, who brings expertise in food science, nutrition research, and the study of diabetes-friendly food innovations. Since its inception, Dr Shobana has guided the department with a strong focus on scientific rigour, innovation, and community relevance. Her research interests include the impact of food processing on nutritional and glycaemic attributes, microstructural evaluation of grains, and the development of low-GI, fibre-rich food products suited to the Indian dietary landscape. Under her supervision, the department has expanded its capabilities in advanced microscopic and spectroscopic analyses, phytochemical profiling, and prototype food product development. Dr Shobana’s leadership has been instrumental in translating laboratory research into practical, safe, and acceptable food solutions that benefit individuals with diabetes and the wider community. Her commitment to public health nutrition continues to drive the department’s contributions towards healthier eating patterns and improved metabolic wellbeing.

Dr. Shobana Shanmugam

FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE DEPARTMENT

  • Basic facility for New Product Development prototyping
  • Oven toaster griller
  • Hammer mill
  • Pasta machine (Lab scale)
  • Roller Flaker (Lab scale)
  • Tray dryer
  • Vermicelli extruder
  • Plate grinder
  • Ribbon blender
  • Pan roaster
  • Rubber roll sheller (lab scale)
  • Abrasive polisher (lab scale)
  • Spray drier (Table top)
  • Vibrosifter

Publications

  1. Ashwini, K., Abirami, K., Gayathri, R., Sasikala, S., Sudha, V., Shobana, S., Jeevan, R.G., Krishnaswamy, K., Deepika, V., Rajalakshmi, M. and Parkavi, K., 2025. Effect of Premeal Pistachio Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Asian Indian Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Nutrition, 155(3), pp.899-909.
  2. Mohanraj, K., Shobana, S., Malleshi, N.G., Rao, B.D., Anjana, R.M. and Mohan, V., 2025. Physical properties of dehusked and debranned selected Indian millets. Current Science (00113891), 128(2).
  3. Shobana, S., Sangavi, G., Wuni, R., Priyanka, B., Leelavady, A., Kayalvizhi, D., Mohan Anjana, R., Krishnaswamy, K., Vimaleswaran, K.S. and Mohan, V., 2024. Assessment of front and back of pack nutrition labels of selected convenience food products and snacks available in the Indian market. PloS one, 19(12), p.e0314819.
  4. Bai, M.R., Abirami, K., Gayathri, R., Vedantham, S., Shobana, S., Nagarajan, L.P., Gunasekaran, G., Nagamuthu, G., Malini, H.M., Gokulakrishnan, K. and Sandhya, N., 2024. Effect of low vs high dietary-advanced glycation end products on insulin-sensitivity and inflammatory-markers among overweight/obese Asian-Indian adults-A randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 75(8), pp.835-845.
Read more >>

Interested in collaborations ? 

Contact Us
Scroll to Top

Publications

  1. Ashwini, K., Abirami, K., Gayathri, R., Sasikala, S., Sudha, V., Shobana, S., Jeevan, R.G., Krishnaswamy, K., Deepika, V., Rajalakshmi, M. and Parkavi, K., 2025. Effect of Premeal Pistachio Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Asian Indian Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Nutrition, 155(3), pp.899-909.
  2. Mohanraj, K., Shobana, S., Malleshi, N.G., Rao, B.D., Anjana, R.M. and Mohan, V., 2025. Physical properties of dehusked and debranned selected Indian millets. Current Science (00113891), 128(2).
  3. Shobana, S., Sangavi, G., Wuni, R., Priyanka, B., Leelavady, A., Kayalvizhi, D., Mohan Anjana, R., Krishnaswamy, K., Vimaleswaran, K.S. and Mohan, V., 2024. Assessment of front and back of pack nutrition labels of selected convenience food products and snacks available in the Indian market. PloS one, 19(12), p.e0314819.
  4. Bai, M.R., Abirami, K., Gayathri, R., Vedantham, S., Shobana, S., Nagarajan, L.P., Gunasekaran, G., Nagamuthu, G., Malini, H.M., Gokulakrishnan, K. and Sandhya, N., 2024. Effect of low vs high dietary-advanced glycation end products on insulin-sensitivity and inflammatory-markers among overweight/obese Asian-Indian adults-A randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 75(8), pp.835-845.
  5. Shobana, S., Mohanraj, K., Malleshi, N.G., Rao, B.D., Anjana, R.M. and Mohan, V., 2024. Impact of debranning on the nutritional, cooking, microstructural characteristics of five Indian small millets. Discover Food, 4(1), p.136.
  6. Mohan, V., Sakthy, G.U., Shobana, S, and Jacob, C.T., 2024. Biodiversity and Diabetes: Is There a link?. Journal of Diabetology, 15(3), pp.258-265.
  7. Priya, K.L., Shobana, S., Sudha, V., Gayathri, R., Beatrice, D.A., Anjana, R.M., Krishnaswamy, K. and Mohan, V., 2024. Consumption pattern of millets among south Indian adults. Journal of Diabetology, 15(1), pp.63-69.
  8. Shobana, S., Anjana, R.M. and Mohan, V., 2023. Millets for Nutrition Security in India. The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, pp.42-57.
  9. Rachana, B., Shobana, S., Lalithya, P.V., Sudha, V., Vinita, S., Gayathri, R., Kalpana, N., Ranjit, M.A. and Viswanathan, M., 2023. Glycemic index of a nutritional supplement designed for people with chronic kidney disease. Food Science & Nutrition, 11(9), pp.5379-5387.
  10. Shobana, S., Gayathri, R., Sangavi, G., Kavitha, V., Gayathri, N., Anjana, R.M., Sudha, V. and Mohan, V., 2023. Preparation, nutritional and glycemic properties of multigrain instant “adai” mix. Journal of Diabetology, 14(3), pp.143-148.
  11. Bhoite, R., Shobana, S., Pratti, V.L., Satyavrat, V., Gayathri, R., Anjana, R.M. and Mohan, V., 2023. Estimation of glycemic index in a dietary formulation targeted to support enteral and oral nutritional needs. Discover Food, 3(1), p.5.
  12. Gayathri, R., Parkav, K., Kavitha, V., Gayathri, N., Jeevan, R.G., Shobana, S., Sudha, V., Ranjit, U., Anjana, R.M., Mohan, V. and Mehndiratta, C., 2023. Glycemic Index of a High Protein and High Fiber Oral Nutritional Supplement Vidaslim®. Medical Research Archives, 11(3).
  13. Mohan, V., Sudha, V., Shobana, S., Gayathri, R. and Krishnaswamy, K., 2023. Are unhealthy diets contributing to the rapid rise of type 2 diabetes in India?. The Journal of Nutrition, 153(4), pp.940-948.
  14. Gayathri, R., Abirami, K., Kalpana, N., Manasa, V.S., Sudha, V., Shobana, S., Jeevan, R.G., Kavitha, V., Parkavi, K., Anjana, R.M. and Unnikrishnan, R., 2023. Effect of almond consumption on insulin sensitivity and serum lipids among Asian Indian adults with overweight and obesity–A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, p.1055923.
  15. Shobana, S., Gayathri, R., Jayanthan, M., Sudha, V., Jamdar, S.N., Malleshi, N.G., Krishnaswamy, K., Anjana, R.M., Unnikrishnan, R. and Mohan, V., 2023. Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the 24-h Glycemic Responses of Parboiled Brown Rice Diets in Asian Indian Adults: A Randomized Cross-over Study. Journal of Diabetology, 14(1), pp.20-27.
  16. Wuni, R., Lakshmipriya, N., Abirami, K., Ventura, E.F., Anjana, R.M., Sudha, V., Shobana, S., Unnikrishnan, R., Krishnaswamy, K., Vimaleswaran, K.S. and Mohan, V., 2022. Higher intake of dairy is associated with lower cardiometabolic risks and metabolic syndrome in Asian Indians. Nutrients, 14(18), p.3699.
  17. Shobana, S., Geetha, G., Bai, M.R., Vijayalakshmi, P., Gayathri, R., Lakshmipriya, N., Unnikrishnan, R., Anjana, R.M., Malleshi, N.G., Krishnaswamy, K. and Henry, C.J.K., 2022. Carbohydrate profiling & glycaemic indices of selected traditional Indian foods. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 155(1), pp.56-65.
  18. Shobana, S., Gopinath, V., Kavitha, V., Kalpana, N., Vijayalakshmi, P., Gayathri, R., Ganeshjeevan, R., Malleshi, N.G., Unnikrishnan, R., Anjana, R.M. and Henry, C.J., 2022. Nutritional and Glycemic Properties of Brown and White Rice Flakes “Upma”. Journal of Diabetology, 13(1), pp.49-55.
  19. Gayathri, R., Kalpana, N., Manasa, V.S., Sudha, V., Shobana, S., Jeevan, R.G., Anjana, R.M., Unnikrishnan, R., Gokulakrishnan, K., Krishnaswamy, K. and Beatrice, D.A., 2021. Research design for a randomized control trial to assess the effects of almond supplementation on insulin resistance, glycemic markers, and inflammation among overweight Asian Indians. Journal of Diabetology, 12(4), pp.508-516.
  20. Singh, M., Manickavasagan, A., Shobana, S. and Mohan, V., 2021. Glycemic index of pulses and pulse-based products: a review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 61(9), pp.1567-1588.
  21. Bai, M.R., Vedantham, S., Shobana, S., Nagarajan, L.P., Rajagopal, G., Gunasekaran, G., Nagamuthu, G., Chandrashekaran, A., Gokulakrishnan, K., Sandhya, N. and Regin, B.S., 2021. Design and methodology of a randomized crossover trial to test the effect of low and high dAGE diets on metabolic risk factors and inflammatory markers among overweight and centrally obese Asian Indian adults. Journal of Diabetology, 12(1), pp.46-57.
  22. Chen, O., Mah, E., Dioum, E., Marwaha, A., Shobana, S., Malleshi, N., Sudha, V., Gayathri, R., Unnikrishnan, R., Anjana, R.M. and Krishnaswamy, K., 2021. The role of oat nutrients in the immune system: a narrative review. Nutrients, 13(4), p.1048.
  23. Malavika, M., Shobana, S., Vijayalakshmi, P., Ganeshjeevan, R., Gayathri, R., Kavitha, V., Gayathri, N., Savitha, R., Unnikrishnan, R., Anjana, R.M. and Malleshi, N.G., 2020. Assessment of quality of minor millets available in the south Indian market & glycaemic index of cooked unpolished little & foxtail millet. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 152(4), pp.401-409.
  24. Rachana, B., Vijayalakshmi, P., Ganesh, R.J., Gopinath, V., Parkavi, K., Kavitha, V., Gayathri, N., Gayathri, R., Shobana, S., Anjana, R.M. and Unnikrishnan, R., 2019. Glycemic index and response of a plant based nutritional supplement and its subjective satiety following its use in Indian adults. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 10(08), p.937.
  25. Anjana, R., Kumar, H.A., Unnikrishnan, R., Anjana, R.M., Shobana, S., Mohan, V. and Sudha, V., 2019. Quality Evaluation of Speciality Rice Varieties Available in South Indian (Chennai) Market. Journal of Diabetology, 10(2), pp.62-68.
  26. Shobana, S., Ramya Bai, R.M., Sudha, V., Unnikrishnan, R., Pradeepa, R., Anjana, R.M. and Mohan, V., 2018. Nutrition and its link with diabetes in Asian Indians: Challenges and solutions. Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy, 84(4), pp.955-63.
  27. Mohan, V., Unnikrishnan, R., Shobana, S., Malavika, M., Anjana, R.M. and Sudha, V., 2018. Are excess carbohydrates the main link to diabetes & its complications in Asians?. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 148(5), pp.531-538.
  28. Shobana, S., Gayathri, R., Anitha, C., Kavitha, V., Gayathri, N., Bai, M.R., Lakshmipriya, N., Malavika, M., Sudha, V., Unnikrishnan, R. and Anjana, R.M., 2018. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) and white rice diets elicit similar glycaemic response in Asian Indians: Evidence from a randomised clinical trial using continuous glucose monitoring. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 24(3), pp.455-466.
  29. Mohan, V., Gayathri, R., Jaacks, L.M., Lakshmipriya, N., Anjana, R.M., Spiegelman, D., Jeevan, R.G., Balasubramaniam, K.K., Shobana, S., Jayanthan, M. and Gopinath, V., 2018. Cashew nut consumption increases HDL cholesterol and reduces systolic blood pressure in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes: a 12-week randomized controlled trial. The Journal of nutrition, 148(1), pp.63-69.
  30. Shobana, S., Selvi, R.P., Kavitha, V., Gayathri, N., Geetha, G., Gayathri, R., Parthasarthy, V., Balasubramaniam, K.G., Vaidya, R., Sudha, V. and Anjana, R.M., 2018. Development and evaluation of nutritional, sensory and glycemic properties of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) based food products. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 27(1), pp.84-91.
  31. Shobana, S., Lakshmipriya, N., Bai, M.R., Gayathri, R., Ruchi, V., Sudha, V., Malleshi, N.G., Krishnaswamy, K., Henry, C.J., Anjana, R.M. and Unnikrishnan, R., 2017. Even minimal polishing of an Indian parboiled brown rice variety leads to increased glycemic responses. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 26(5), pp.829-836.
  32. Mohan, V., Anjana, R.M., Gayathri, R., Ramya Bai, M., Lakshmipriya, N., Ruchi, V., Balasubramaniyam, K.K., Jakir, M.M., Shobana, S., Unnikrishnan, R. and Krishnaswamy, K., 2016. Glycemic index of a novel high-fiber white rice variety developed in India—A randomized control trial study. Diabetes technology & therapeutics, 18(3), pp.164-170.
  33. Shobana, S., Kokila, A., Lakshmipriya, N., Subhashini, S., Ramya Bai, M., Mohan, V., Malleshi, N.G., Anjana, R.M., Henry, C.J.K. and Sudha, V., 2012. Glycaemic index of three Indian rice varieties. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 63(2), pp.178-183.
  34. Shobana, S., Malleshi, N.G., Sudha, V., Spiegelman, D., Hong, B., Hu, F.B., Willett, W.C., Krishnaswamy, K. and Mohan, V., 2011. Nutritional and sensory profile of two Indian rice varieties with different degrees of polishing. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 62(8), pp.800-810.
  35. Shobana, S., Harsha, M.R., Platel, K., Srinivasan, K. and Malleshi, N.G., 2010. Amelioration of hyperglycaemia and its associated complications by finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) seed coat matter in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. British journal of nutrition, 104(12), pp.1787-1795.
  36. Kamala, K., Ganesan, A., Shobana, S., Sudha, V., Malleshi, N.G. and Mohan, V., 2010. Dietary management of finger millet. Current Science (Correspondence), 99(1), p.9.
  37. Shobana, S., Sreerama, Y.N. and Malleshi, N.G., 2009. Composition and enzyme inhibitory properties of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) seed coat phenolics: Mode of inhibition of α-glucosidase and pancreatic amylase. Food chemistry, 115(4), pp.1268-1273.
  38. Shobana, S., Vijayalakshmi, P., Mookambikaramyabai, R., Guhapriya, K. and Mohan, V., 2009. Is rice intake linked to the diabetes epidemic in India?. Rice, 11, pp.62-65.
  39. Shobana, S. and Naidu, K.A., 2000. Antioxidant activity of selected Indian spices. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA), 62(2), pp.107-110.

Contact Form