The prevalence of diabetes has been on the rise in Japan in recent years. The increase can be ascribed to a sedentary lifestyle and increased fat consumption. Although obesity rates are lower in Japan than in the West, it is estimated that more than 12 million Japanese have high sugar levels. This means 7.14 percent men and 4.50 percent women have frank diabetes and the prevalence rate of prediabetes (impaired blood sugar levels) is 14.31 percent in men and 15.56 percent in women. This points to an increasing trend in diabetes in Japanese people.
There are many contributing factors for diabetes development in Japanese people including dietary patterns, physical inactivity, smoking and many others.
Dietary patterns
White rice is the staple food of Japanese people. Unlike brown rice, white rice is devoid of dietary fiber and vitamins. Dietary fiber and vitamins act as protective factors against type 2 diabetes. A study reported that a high intake of white rice increased the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Moreover, white rice is high in glycemic index, which is known to cause spikes in blood sugar levels, resulting in beta cell fatigue. In general, people who ate three to four servings of white rice per day were more likely to have diabetes than those who ate the least amount of rice.
The rice-based Japanese diet also lacks calcium-rich food, which was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. However, much research is required to prove the relationship between traditional Japanese food and diabetes development.
Genetics
A new study has found that a combination of a sedentary lifestyle and the presence of a particular gene variant elevates the risk of type 2 diabetes in Japanese men. Men can modify the consequence of this new gene variant by being physically active. People who are highly active and restrict their calorie intake may avert the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Eating habits
A study conducted in Japanese people has shown that eating fast is correlated with the risk of new-onset diabetes. Generally, middle-aged men who were fast eaters with a high body mass index (BMI) and a large waist circumference were more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Please note that the study was conducted in the general population and it does not apply to any individual or specific Japanese groups.
Body type
Japanese people and other Asian populations tend to have more visceral fat (extra body fat) and less muscle mass compared to individuals of other ethnic populations.
The visceral fat isn’t visible and can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and other health conditions.
Historically, standard BMI ranges do not apply to people of Asian descent, especially in the normal weight range (18.5 to 24.9). Researchers suggest that Asians should be tested if their BMI is 23 or above.
Diabetes can be prevented or delayed, but only if people know they’re at risk and take action.
Lifestyle risks
Lifestyle risks such as sedentary lifestyle, binge drinking and smoking can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
What are some of the lifestyle modifications that Japanese people can adopt to prevent diabetes?
Some of the lifestyle modifications that can help Japanese people prevent diabetes development include
- Exercising regularly at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes five days per week or more.
- Watching what they eat and reducing the amount of white rice and other processed foods they consume. Additionally, sticking to a low-fat diet that protects them against heart disease. Pairing rice with legumes, salads or fatty fish will improve the overall glycemic load of the diet.
- Keeping their weight within a healthy range. A body mass index (BMI) of 23 kg/m2 or greater is not appropriate for people of Asian descent.
- Seeing their doctor for regular checkups if they are in the high-risk group.
- Checking out cooking classes, health education or support programs to build good habits.
- Quitting smoking and drinking.
QUESTION
Diabetes is defined best as... See AnswerThe American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Diabetes Care
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bitter melon
Bitter melon, an edible fruit with many phenolic compound, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and insulin-like peptides, has been traditionally used for treating many conditions including diabetes, cancer, fever, and infections. Other uses for bitter melon include diabetes, cancer prevention, gastrointestinal upset, abnormal blood fat levels (dyslipidemia), obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, psoriasis, and others. Do not take bitter melon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can Type 2 Diabetes be Cured?
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term medical condition in which the body is not able to regulate blood sugar (glucose) level because of the inability of the body to properly use insulin. An individual can get type 2 diabetes because of a number of factors that reduce insulin action or quantity in the body. The goals of diabetes management are to eliminate symptoms and prevent the development of complications. Many drugs, both oral and injectable, are available for diabetes management.
Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Diabetes Quiz
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Type 2 Diabetes Diet Plan
A type 2 diabetes diet or a type 2 diabetic diet is important for blood sugar (glucose) control in people with diabetes to prevent complications of diabetes. There are a variety of type 2 diabetes diet eating plans such as the Mediterranean diet, Paleo diet, ADA Diabetes Diet, and vegetarian diets.Learn about low and high glycemic index foods, what foods to eat, and what foods to avoid if you have type 2 diabetes.fenugreek
Fenugreek is an aromatic herb (Trigonella foenum-graecum) that has been traditionally taken as a supplement for many health benefits such as increasing milk production in lactating women, and reducing blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It may also be used for treating diabetes (type 1 and type 2), constipation, wounds and boils, inflammation, thickening of arteries (atherosclerosis), and more. Common side effects of fenugreek include indigestion, diarrhea, gas (flatulence), nausea, headache, dizziness, abnormal urine odor, abnormal body odor, low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia), allergic reaction, asthma, wheezing, and loss of consciousness.Glyxambi (empagliflozin and linagliptin)
Glyxambi (empagliflozin and linagliptin) is a prescription medication that contains two diabetes medicines, empagliflozin (Jardiance) and linagliptin (Tradjenta), and is used to treat diabetes type 2. Serious side effects of Glyxambi include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), heart failure, and dehydration.
Reverse Prediabetes
Prediabetes can be a wake-up call. Click through to find out what you can do if you have it.insulin regular human
Regular human insulin is a biological product used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Human insulin is a natural hormone secreted by the pancreas. Common side effects of insulin regular human include hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, injection site reactions, generalized rash, drop in blood pressure, shortness of breath, wheezing, fast pulse, sweating, peripheral edema, and weight gain. Overdose can cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. Insulin is the preferred treatment for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, as well as gestational diabetes mellitus. Consult your doctor if breastfeeding.Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a prescription drug used to manage blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. Jardiance belongs to a drug class called SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter) inhibitors. Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infection, increased cholesterol, joint pain, nausea, increased creatinine, increased urination. Jardiance is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.L-methylfolate/pyridoxal 5-phosphate/methylcobalamin
L-methylfolate/pyridoxal 5-phosphate/methylcobalamin is a combination of three vitamins of the B group, and is used to treat peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Common side effects include allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, headaches, drowsiness (somnolence), temporary widespread skin rash (exanthema), itching, swelling(edema), and excessive red blood cells (polycythemia vera), and others. Use with caution if potential benefits outweigh potential fetal risks in pregnant women and women who are nursing infants.Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro has a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Mounjaro is not used to treat type 1 diabetes. Mounjaro may cause serious side effects including hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face/lips/tongue/throat, dizziness, fast heart rate, shaking, anxiety, hunger, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), clay-colored stools, and bloating of the abdomen. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a situation where a person's blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, but aren't high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. There are no signs or symptoms of prediabetes. Some of the risk factors for prediabetes are
- high blood pressure,
- high cholesterol,
- heart disease,
- smoking,
- family history,
- poor diet, and
- lack of activity.
Diet changes along with other healthy lifestyle changes are important in treating prediabetes.
What Is the Relationship Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease?
Diabetic kidney disease is caused by multiple factors, including changes in the kidneys caused by diabetes and hypertension-related vascular changes. Having high blood sugar levels can lead to kidney damage and failure. People with diabetes may already have hypertension when they are diagnosed. Because high blood pressure damages the kidneys, it increases the risk of diabetic kidney disease.Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin)
Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin) is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Serious side effects of Synjardy include lactic acidosis, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; burning or painful urination, frequent or urgent urination, pink or bloody urine, little or no urination, unusual vaginal or penis discharge, and others.taurine
Taurine is a dietary supplement used in the treatment of many conditions including cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and type 2 diabetes. Taurine is also used as a component of energy drinks, infant formula, and health foods. There are no reported side effects for taurine. Avoid taurine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that may be reversible with diet and lifestyle changes. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, and an unusual odor to your urine. Most people don't know they have type 2 diabetes until they have a routine blood test. Treatment options include medications, a type 2 diabetes diet, and other lifestyle changes.
Type 2 Diabetes Quiz
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Type 2 Diabetes Signs
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