Carla Vartanian
American Overseas Dietetic Association, Lebanon
Title: Nutritional management for the prevention of the diabesity epidemic
Biography
Biography: Carla Vartanian
Abstract
Diabesity is defined as a metabolic dysfunction that ranges from mild blood sugar imbalance to full-fledged type 2 diabetes, which can be preventable and in some cases entirely reversible. It affects more than one billion people worldwide, including 100 million Americans and 50% of Americans over 65. Recent statistics suggest that diabesity may already be the leading cause of chronic disease and death in the world, and its impact is expected to rise dramatically in the next 25 years with a major impact on the healthcare systems worldwide.
Diabesity is a constellation of signs that includes abdominal obesity dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, high blood systemic inflammation and, a tendency to form blood clots. The “diabese” patients have increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, cancer, kidney failure and blindness among many other conditions.
To date, there are no national recommendations from governments or worldwide diabetes organizations to advise screening and treatment of this epidemic, thus many people suffering from diabesity may be left undiagnosed and untreated.
The entire spectrum of diabesity including all of its complications is simply downstream symptoms that result from unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Interventions with a clinical nutritionist and medical doctor and some basic lifestyle changes can help patients lose weight, regulate blood sugar, reverse the effects of diabesity and help pave the way for better long-term health.
Aside from healthy eating recommendation, exercise remains the single best medication for diabesity
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