Thin but still insulin resistant
The concept of "just exercise is enough to not worry about diabetes" is making many people subjective. In fact, exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, but cannot completely compensate for other risk factors such as genetics, high visceral fat, chronic stress, lack of sleep and a diet high in refined starch.
Dr. Hetashvi Gondaliya - endocrinologist at Rukmani Birla Hospital in Jaipur, India - said that more and more cases are recorded called "metabolic obesity but normal weight". This is a condition where people with body mass index within normal limits accumulate visceral fat around the liver, pancreas and intestines. This hidden fat layer silently promotes insulin resistance for many years before blood sugar increases significantly.
According to data published in Frontiers in Public Health, in India, diabetes tends to appear at a younger age and at a lower body mass index than many other countries, due to high body fat levels and common family history. In 2019, the country recorded more than 77 million people with the disease and forecasts may exceed 134 million by 2045.
Professor Roy Taylor - a metabolism expert at Newcastle University - commented: "Grains accumulated in the liver and pancreas can impair the function of insulin-producing cells even when the weight is not too high." According to him, diabetes risk assessment should be based on body composition, waist circumference, blood fat and glycemic index, rather than just looking at weight.
Silent disease and the price of late detection
Another reason why type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed late is that the initial symptoms are quite faint. Mild fatigue, frequent thirst or frequent urination are easily overlooked, especially in young, busy people. When neurological, kidney, retinal or cardiovascular complications appear, the disease may have progressed for many years.
Urban lifestyle further increases the risk. Prolonged working hours, insufficient sleep, high stress and the habit of using processed foods can lose the benefits of exercise. Prolonged high stress hormone levels contribute to reducing the body's insulin use efficiency.
People with a family history of diabetes, having had gestational diabetes, belly fat, or working with little exercise should have regular screenings. Exercise is still the foundation, but it is necessary to combine a balanced diet rich in fiber and lean protein, get enough sleep, manage stress and have annual blood tests. Effective prevention requires a comprehensive approach to metabolism, instead of just relying on the gym.
