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What is diabesity?

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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : May 21, 2014 11:44 AM IST

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diabesity'Diabesity' is in the news with a study being conducted by the BLK superspeciality hopsital in association with the University of Dresden in germany and the Beijing Genomics Institute of China. With this study, they'd like to explore the link between obesity and the rising menace of diabetes.

But what is 'diabesity'? How are obesity and diabetes related?

According to the scientific work of Dr Neal Bernard in his 'Program for reversing diabetes', the cause of insulin resistance is fat in the muscle cells (intramyocellular lipids) while reduce the sensitivity of the receptors to insulin. And this is one of the major causes for diabetes.

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In a healthy person, who has his insulin receptors working optimally, insulin lodges on the receptors and signals the gates to open for glucose to enter. The body then uses the glucose for all functions of the body.

However, in an obese person, the insulin receptors are less sensitive. The insulin is not effective enough to signal the uptake of glucose. This causes an increase in blood glucose levels.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

Logically speaking, if one consciously works at maintaining a healthy weight, he/she can reduce their risk of diabetes. Here are a few tips:

  • Eat three healthy meals a day including a nutritious breakfast. Add 2 3 healthy snacks per day.
  • Replace processed foods with whole grain and high fiber foods.
  • Limit red meats. You are at a 20 percent greater risk of getting diabetes than those who don't eat red meat. Choose nuts, seeds, lentils (dal), fish or poultry instead.
  • Consume lots of fruits and vegetables such as greens, carrot and broccoli. Choose fresh fruits instead of fruit juices.
  • Swap high calorie foods for low calorie ones. For example, choose low fat cheese instead of regular ones, or skim milk instead of whole milk.
  • Lose weight if you are overweight. Losing even a moderate 5 7 percent of the body weight can make a big difference.
  • Inactivity increases diabetes risk. Studies have shown that for every 2 hours you spend watching TV or being idle, you increase the chances of diabetes by 14 percent. 'Working your muscles more often and making them work harder improves their ability to use insulin and absorb glucose. This puts less stress on your insulin-making cells,' according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
  • Even if you are not much into gyms, brisk walking for half an hour every day can reduce diabetes risk.
  • Quit smoking. Those who smoke increase their diabetes risk by 50 percent as compared with non-smokers.
  • Keep your alcohol consumption under moderation. One drink a day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men is okay. If you don't drink, then there is no need to start.
  • It is very important to monitor disease progression by getting your blood glucose levels checked as per the instructions of your healthcare provider. So, if your tests show that you have prediabetes, it is high time for you to make those diet and lifestyle changes.
  • Eat plant foods in their most natural state, without the use of refined products like oil, ghee, butter, hydrogenated fats (vanaspati).
  • Processed foods are also best avoided as they are typically high in fats and refined products. Add whole foods like whole unpolished rice, whole wheat, unpeeled vegetables and fruits to your diet.

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