OBESITY AND DIABETES
Today, an increasingly alarming health problem within Thai society is obesity, which is associated with a variety of related illnesses, including diabetes. Overweight people, with a body mass more than 35 kg/sq. meter, are 20-times more likely to suffer from diabetes than people with normal mass/area measurements. In addition, those with an enlarged abdominal area have an increased risk of diabetes, as the accumulation of fat cells around the waistline and abdomen cause insulin resistance.
A recent study revealed that fat cells in overweight people release a hormone “adiponectin”, which is insulin resistant. Diabetic patients have a higher level of this hormone than people of a similar weight. The level of “adiponectin” in those of average body mass is lower than in overweight people.
In addition to the “adiponectin” hormone, fat cells also release other hormones resulting in a higher risk of developing diabetes and other blood vessel-related illnesses.
Overweight people tend to have a high-calorie/low fiber diet and either do not take enough exercise, or have insufficient body movement, in addition to having other health problems. Those with a high risk of developing diabetes, especially overweight people, can prevent, or slow down the progress of diabetes-related illnesses by changing their diets and adjusting their lifestyles. They should consume more food with high fiber content, and adapt to low calorie foods that have lower saturated fat and sugar contents. Regular exercise is required, aimed at reducing body weight by as much as 7%. Following this simple regimen will reduce the risk of diabetes by as much as 50%, compared to the 30% effectiveness of diabetic pills.
To prevent acute and long-term side-effect illnesses developing and enable diabetic people with overweight problems to enjoy their lives, it is vital to keep diabetes in control by closely monitoring the body’s blood sugar level and other related symptoms. Overweight people’s blood sugar levels can be kept within normal range through daily calorie intake calculations.
A well-balanced diet is essential and each meal should avoid foods with high saturated fat and high carbohydrate contents, which cause high blood sugar levels. Compulsory diet content includes vegetables and fruit, although sweet fruit should be avoided. Regular exercise is highly recommended, as it also helps reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, besides relaxing the mind and boosting insulin efficiency in the body.
With no warning symptoms, diabetes is not usually detected at its early stages, thus people are not always aware of having the illness. Once detected, however, the disease has usually already damaged the pancreas, causing insulin resistance. This damage is difficult to recoup, so it is therefore advisable to try and prevent the condition developing, especially in those at high risk, rather than trying to cure it.
For more information, please contact : Internal Medicine Center or call the hospital’s Contact Center at 1719
