Diabetes and Body Fat
Obese people have a greater possibility of getting type 2 diabetes than other people. Lately, we are told by researchers that the place where the weight is distributed is even more important than just the weight by itself in bringing greater risk.
The additional weight in and around the abdomen is known as the abdominal fat or visceral adipose fat. It is commonly called a beer belly, apple-shaped, and sometimes, love handles. Having extra body fat at the abdomen is known to bring greater possibility of getting insulin resistance which may result in better chances of developing diabetes as well as high blood pressure.
People with a high BMI (body mass index), an extraordinarily big waist measurement and a waist which is bigger than the hips have a much better chance of getting type 2 diabetes.
Measuring Fat Using the Body Mass Index
To get an idea of all the fat in the body, the body mass index, which is a measurement using the height as well as the weight to derive at a number, is used. Generally, the more body fat there is , the greater the chance of health problems. A normal body is between the BMI of 18.5 and 24.9. However, it is not an accurate measurement of body fat or risks of health problems as it can give a false measurement of excessive body fat in a muscular person and lower body fat in seniors. Furthermore, even those given numbers indicating a BMI which is normal can still have the possibility of suffering from diabetes due to other factors, like being African American or Native American.
Waist Circumference
According to a number of studies, the measurement of the waist a little bit above the belly button but beneath the rib cage, the waist circumference, is a good indicator of diabetes risk.
So, waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women are regarded as having more risk of diabetes.
A study on participants of both sexes for ten years, which was published recently in Public Health Nutrition concluded that people with an above normal BMI range and greater measurement at the waist stand a better chance at getting type 2 diabetes.
How Does Body Fat Affect Diabetics? – Video Guide
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
WHR (Waist-to-hip ratio) is another indicator of risk. People with a 1.0 or more WHR have a greater possibility of getting diabetes as well as other diseases. A 0.9 or lower WHR for men and a 0.8 or lower WHR for women is safe, said the CDC.
How Does Abdominal Fat Build Up?
Abdominal fat builds up from an exercise-free life together with food high in carbohydrates, fat from dairy products and lots of saturated fat which comes with red meat.
Removing Abdominal Fat
Enjoying balanced, healthy meals with lots of vegetables, fruits as well as other low-fat, high-fiber food will certainly lower the amount of abdominal fat. Exercises that work your heart and improve your circulation, such as a half an hour brisk walk, can remove a lot of body fat around your abdomen.
Replacing the carbohydrate in your meals with a moderate quantity of protein from either fish or chicken can reduce the fat consumed, The ASNS (American Society for Nutritional Sciences) advised. Moderation is the word when it comes to changes in diet, as you still need some carbohydrates for energy. Nutritionists as well as health care professionals can assist diabetics in making the right choices of food.
To make changes in food and exercise levels in order to get better diabetic control, the people to consult are healthcare providers. Better insulin sensitivity has been experienced by diabetics who exercise every day, being able to better use the insulin their body produces and lowering the levels of their blood glucose.