Can your waistline predict your diabetes risk?

A British health report has warned that adults with a large waistline are five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. In its report, the Public Health England (PHE), an executive agency of Britain's Department of Health, said they encourage people to monitor their waistline and assess risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

According to the report, men having a large waist circumference of over 102cm (40 inches)are five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Women with a large waist circumference of over 88cm (34.6 inches) are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, Xinhua reported. Currently 90 percent of the adults with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese, and the prevalence of both obesity and diabetes are on the increase, said PHE experts. Being overweight or obese is the main avoidable risk factor for type 2 diabetes, they added. (Read: 10 healthy resolutions for diabetics)

According to Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, type 2 diabetes is a very serious public health issue which can have significant consequences, such as limb amputations or blindness. The key to reducing your chances of type 2 diabetes is losing weight which can be achieved through a healthy diet and being more active, she added. The report also revealed that deprivation is closely linked to the risk of both -- obesity and diabetes in Britain, with type 2 diabetes being 40 percent more common among people in the poorest communities compared to the rich ones. (Read: 10 diet dos and don'ts for diabetics)

Here some tips to prevent diabetes

1. Get your sugar levels checked: A lot of people have prediabetes (fasting sugar: 100-125 mg/dl) and are totally clueless about it. A blood sugar test will help you to understand whether you're prediabetic and what are your chances of developing diabetes. If you get diagnosed with prediabetes, then you can take the right steps and prevent it from transforming into irreversible diabetes. Here are things you should know about prediabetes.

2. Change your lifestyle: Sometimes, small changes can make a huge difference. Lifestyle intervention for preventing diabetes is the best example for this. Several studies on diabetes prevention programme have proved that diabetes can be prevented effectively by giving up sedentary lifestyle and adopting healthier changes. Read more about sedentary lifestyle and diabetes risk.

3. Eat healthy: Eat a healthy diet that has low calories, especially low saturated fats. Trials have shown that fat intake should not exceed 30 percent of the total calorie intake, whereas saturated fats should be restricted to just 10 percent. Include more of vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, dairy products and sources of omega 3 fats. Also, increase your fibre intake. Read more about 10 tips to prevent diabetes

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

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