Representative image.
Credit: DH File Photo
With Prediabetes affecting nearly one-third of India’s population which often goes unnoticed, renowned nutritionist and Prediabetes coach, Madhavi Shilpi, said that a combined regime of NEAT and EAT can prevent diabetes.
Lifestyle changes are the key, she said.
NEAT stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis while EAT is Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. Examples of NEAT are taking stairs, doing gardening, walking during lunch break, using a standing desk, and walking the dog.
On the other hand, EAT consists of jogging, running, swimming, cycling, playing a ball game and lifting weights.
"Prediabetes means your body’s blood sugar and insulin metabolism aren’t working correctly. There is more blood sugar circulating than is considered safe. And, with insulin resistance having reared its head, insulin is unable to help sweep this excess blood sugar into the storage cells in the liver and muscles. This is where exercise comes in. Our body uses muscles to move and support movement. These muscles need fuel – blood sugar. And the good news is that working muscles are hungry muscles,” said Shilpi, who has authored the book, Reverse Prediabetes Now.
About what needs to be done, Shilpi, at the book launch, said "These questions are always at the top of everyone’s mind. I get it. You’re busy. And you’re wondering where those elusive exercise hours will come from. So, let me make it simple. 30 minutes. Endurance. 3 times a week. 30 minutes. Strength. 3 times a week. 15 minutes. Flexibility. After every workout. Is all you really need!”.
The book provides practical guidance that empowers individuals to take charge of their health and reverse Prediabetes through sustainable lifestyle changes.
The book was released by Dr Nikhil Bhagwat, who gave the keynote address.
The event was also graced by Dr Ajit Menon, Dr Joy Desai, Dr Mihir Mehta, Dr Ashish Jain amongst others.
“Prediabetes affects nearly one-third of India’s population (32.8 per cent) and often goes unnoticed, putting more than 450 million people at risk of progressing to Type 2 Diabetes. Many people with Prediabetes feel lost and unsure of where to begin,” she said.
Said Dr Bhagwat, an eminent endocrinologist, “The Prediabetic state is not a benign state. Having been in practice for the last so many years, what I have seen is that the age of presentation of the disease has changed. Way back in 2000 or 2001, we used to get patients in their 50s, 60s and 70s. But over the last many years, I have seen about 20-30 patients every week in the 20-40 years age group. Now we are even seeing children or adolescents with Diabetes."
According to him, a sedentary lifestyle, moving away from our original food to Western food styles, and consuming more processed, fast food, all lead to a rapid increase in body weight.
"Sleep deprivation is again a very common but important problem as are the stresses of life. All these things are contributing to the increase in prevalence of Diabetes in our country," he added.