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Preventing diabetes--applying pathophysiological and epidemiological evidence
W Y Fujimoto1, R W Bergstrom, E J Boyko
1Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-6426, USA. wilfuji@u.washington.edu
The British Journal of Nutrition
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Lifestyle changes can help prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus. Research on Japanese Americans shows westernized diets and reduced physical activity increase insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, raising diabetes risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.
- Westernization and urbanization are linked to increased diabetes prevalence.
- Japanese Americans exhibit higher type 2 diabetes rates compared to Japan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- To investigate the role of westernization in diabetes pathogenesis among Japanese Americans.
- To identify key metabolic abnormalities contributing to type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological research on Japanese Americans.
- Analysis of factors contributing to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia.
- Assessment of the impact of diet and physical activity on metabolic health.
Main Results:
- Japanese Americans often present as 'metabolically obese' with increased intra-abdominal fat, despite normal BMI.
- Diets high in animal fat and low physical activity are risk factors.
- These factors lead to increased intra-abdominal fat, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and increased physical activity, are crucial for type 2 diabetes prevention.
- Targeting metabolic abnormalities like insulin resistance and intra-abdominal fat deposition is key.
- Understanding ethnic-specific risk factors can inform public health strategies.