Abdominal obesity, sedentary lifestyle fuel early, aggressive diabetes in South Asians: Study

Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 19: Abdominal obesity and sedentary lifestyles are major contributors to the early and more severe onset of type 2 diabetes in South Asians, including Indians, according to a new study published in the BMJ. The research reveals that South Asians are developing diabetes at younger ages and lower body mass indices (BMI) compared to white populations, placing them at heightened risk of severe complications such as kidney disease and heart attacks.

Led by Dr. Anoop Misra, Director of Diabetes Foundation (India), and conducted in collaboration with researchers from the US, UK, and Sri Lanka, the study highlights a rising trend of youth-onset diabetes across South Asia. Environmental and lifestyle factors — particularly increased consumption of processed foods and decreased physical activity — are driving up obesity rates, especially in the abdominal region.

South Asians are more prone to accumulating fat in the abdomen and liver, while also having lower muscle mass than white individuals with similar BMI and age. These characteristics, combined with faster deterioration of pancreatic beta-cell function, contribute to earlier onset of the disease and faster progression of blood sugar dysfunction, the researchers found.

The study shows that South Asians experience more post-meal spikes in blood glucose and a quicker transition from prediabetes to full-blown diabetes. This results in a higher incidence of diabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular issues, retinopathy, and chronic kidney disease.

Dr. Misra stressed the urgent need for early prevention through better diet, increased physical activity, and effective weight control. However, he noted that widespread lack of awareness, limited access to care, and unaffordable healthcare options remain significant challenges in the region.

The researchers called for urgent, population-wide preventive strategies, innovative and affordable treatment models, and stronger healthcare infrastructure to address the growing diabetes burden among South Asians.

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