People who are ‘apple’ shaped are at greater risk for developing diabetes. The term, “Apple shaped” refers to people whose fat collects on their abdomen — making them resemble apples over time.
Being overweight is a significant risk factor for diabetes. “Patients who have a higher body mass index have a higher risk [of diabetes],” says Danny Sam, MD, an internal medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara, CA, who specializes in the treatment of adult diabetes. Body mass index (BMI) is calculated by comparing weight and height.
But while any overweight person is at increased risk for diabetes, those who carry a lot of that extra weight over the belly are at particular risk. The apple shape not only predisposes you to diabetes but to poor heart health as well.
Some people can tell by sight if they are apple- or pear-shaped. (‘Pear shaped’ refers to people who carry fat around the buttocks and thigh areas.) But if your risk of diabetes isn’t clear from a glance in the mirror, there is one important measurement that can help you determine your risk of diabetes and heart disease: your waist. If you are a woman and your waistline is greater than 35 inches, you are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. For a man, the magic number is 40 inches. If your tape measure reveals you are at or above these numbers, it’s time for a little waist whittling.
The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic is on location in Central Park, New York City to find out people’s reactions to Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed Super Size Soda ban.
LISTEN NOW: Free Diabetes Roundtable podcast Inspired by Rev Run http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatalkradio1/2012/06/12/diabetes-roundtable-inspired-by-rev-run
Tags: diabetes, diabetic, health news, obesity, Pre-diabetes, women health
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