The risk of developing diabetes is directly linked to weight. Those individuals who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop diabetes. This risk factor is independant of any family history, dietary habits, or lifestyle factors. Simply put, the more weight on your body that is fat and not lean muscle mass, the more likely you will develop diabetes. It is also true no matter what your age is, overweigth adolescents are at just as high a risk as the elderly.
So what does this mean if more than 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese? Well it means that as a population, Americans are more likely to develop diabetes than any other national population in the world! These conclusions were drawn based on the Body Mass Index (BMI).
The BMI is a calculation based on weight and height. It is an estimation of lean muscle mass to fat mass. A BMI between 20 and 25 is considered normal. Being overweight is defined as a BMI between 25 and 30, whereas obesity is a BMI greater than 30.
It has its flaws, primarily because it does not take into account body type. Some individuals may score low on the BMI or high based on build, including stature and muscle mass. Men and women who have large muscles (such as bodybuilders) will have a high BMI, although their fat mass is quite low. As well some individuals who are 'big boned' will score a high BMI, even though they may be an appropriate weight.
Analysis that took into account age and BMI found that on the average an 18 year old man has a one in five chance of developing diabetes if he has a normal BMI. As his weight increases, so does his risk. That same man with a BMI between 25 and 30 has a one in three risk. And if this man was very obese (BMI greater than 35) his risk is 70%.
For women, the risk is lower if BMI is normal, only one in six at 18 years of age. But as the BMI increases her risk begins to increase over that of men in the same BMI category. For a woman with a BMI between 25 and 30, at age 18 years her risk is greater than 1 in 3 or 35%. And for a very obese woman (BMI greater than 35) the risk is 3 in four women, or 75%.
Based on this analysis, it is so clear that our weight is more important than ever when it comes to preventing diabetes. Also important to consider is that diabetic and pre-diabetic conditions such as Metabolic Syndrome, increase the risk for other chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and death.
The best way to protect ourselves is to begin early. Exercise every day for at least 45 minutes. Eat a healthy diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and fiber and limit intake of fats and sugary foods. As well be aware of our habits, don't work to much, take time out to enjoy life, and reduce stress.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 30, 2006 08:00 PM
