Page 34 - Desi Express Magazine Sept 2019

Health Watch

Simply Asian ?

"We began with diabetes is not a
big problem in the Asian community"
to now thinking "simply being
Asian is a risk factor," said
Dr. Edward Chow, an internist who
has worked in San Francisco's
Chinatown since the 1970s.

Even if you are not overweight, you can still be at if rapidly transitioning to a diet high in refined
high risk for diabetes. Asians are also at risk of carbohydrates, sugary beverages, or fatty
developing diabetes due to certain diet and Western fast foods.
lifestyle trends.
"We began with diabetes is not a big problem in the We began with diabetes is not a big problem in the
"
Ur
• banization and modernization have led to less Asian community" to now thinking "simply being Asian
walking, less biking, and less daily physical activity. is a risk factor," said Dr. Edward Chow, an internist
who has worked in San Francisco's Chinatown since
• the 1970s.
Nearly 50% of adult men in Asian countries
smoke regularly, which is associated with higher smoke regularly, which is associated with higher

abdominal fat and a 45% increased risk of SHOULD I BE TESTED FOR DIABETES?
developing diabetes. A
Anyone 45 years old or older should consider nyone 45 years old or older should consider
getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and
• White rice and other refined grains, which are overweight getting tested is strongly recommended.
linked to increased risk of diabetes, make up a If you are younger than 45, overweight, and have
large proportion of daily energy intake in Asian one or more of the risk factors, you should consider
diets. getting tested. Tell your doctor your risk factors, and
• ask your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test or an
• Unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats, such as
oral glucose tolerance test. Your doctor will tell you
palm oil, are often used as cooking oils. if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes,
or diabetes.
• Due to globalization, fast food is much more
common and widely available. In one study of HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK?
more than 43,000 adults, those who ate Y
You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting ou can do a lot to lower your chances of getting
Western-style fast food more than twice d
diabetes. Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie iabetes. Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie
a week had a 27% increased risk of developing intake, and losing a little weight can help you reduce
diabetes compared to those who reported eating
diabetes compared to those who reported eating your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lowering
little or no fast food. blood pressure and cholesterol levels also helps you
stay healthy. Making big changes in your life is hard,
• Poor nutrition when a mother is pregnant means especially if you are faced with more than one
that when that the baby grows up, he or she will change. You can make it easier by taking small
be more likely to have high blood sugar, especially steps, one step at a time until you reach your goal.

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