Latest news with #HimikaChawla
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Tired, hungry and gaining weight? Insulin resistance could be to blame
Have you been feeling more tired lately, gaining weight around the belly despite eating right, or struggling with constant sugar cravings? It might not just be your hectic schedule—it could be insulin resistance, a silent metabolic red flag that's increasingly making its way into Indian households. What is insulin resistance and why is it dangerous? Insulin resistance occurs when cells in your muscles, fat and liver do not respond properly to insulin—a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar. Insulin enables glucose to move from your bloodstream into your cells, where it is used for energy. When this process is disrupted, your cells stop responding efficiently to insulin. Over time, this leads to pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome. In simple terms, your body works overtime to keep blood sugar in check, and this chronic strain destabilises glucose levels, leading to serious health risks. 'Your brain cells may not receive enough glucose to function normally if blood glucose levels fall dangerously low (severe hypoglycaemia). This is a serious condition and calls for immediate medical attention,' said Dr Himika Chawla, senior consultant, endocrinology and diabetology, PSRI Hospital. Conversely, if the pancreas produces too little insulin, glucose cannot enter your cells. 'Your blood glucose level rises as glucose accumulates until it becomes too high. This is known as hyperglycaemia. You might develop type 2 diabetes if your blood glucose levels consistently remain high,' added Dr Chawla. Why more Indian families are at risk today According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the prevalence of insulin resistance among Indian adolescents is rising. Approximately 20–25% of Indian youth aged 10–19 years are affected. With India often labelled the diabetes capital of the world, insulin resistance is a critical precursor. The main drivers of this increase include: Sedentary lifestyles: Desk jobs, long hours and minimal physical activity High-carb, high-sugar diets: Roti, rice and sweets spike insulin levels Stress and poor sleep: Long commutes, excessive screen time and irregular sleep Genetic predisposition: South Asians tend to accumulate visceral fat even at normal weight. Historical food scarcity and famine may also play a role 'Compounding the issue is a cultural shift away from traditional, balanced diets towards refined grains and sugary foods, along with increased screen time and decreased physical activity,' said Dr Jaspreet Singh, endocrinology, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals. Early signs of insulin resistance you should never ignore Insulin resistance often shows up subtly. Watch out for: Constant fatigue Increased hunger, especially for carbohydrates Weight gain around the belly Difficulty losing weight Unintended weight loss Darkened skin around the neck or underarms (acanthosis nigricans) Skin tags Brain fog, trouble focusing or blurry vision High blood pressure or cholesterol Excessive thirst and frequent urination Decreased testosterone, affecting reproductive health and fertility 'Crucially, insulin resistance is not a standalone condition but a driver of metabolic syndrome—a cluster of issues including high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL (good) cholesterol and excess abdominal fat. Together, these greatly elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes,' added Dr Singh. 'Gestational diabetes—that is, diabetes during pregnancy—increases the risk of developing insulin resistance. Certain medications, especially glucocorticoids or steroids taken over a long period, can also increase the risk. Medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, sleep apnoea, acromegaly or Cushing's syndrome are all linked to high insulin resistance. Emerging evidence also suggests that low levels of vitamin D may contribute,' said Dr Pearlsy Grace Rajan, senior consultant, internal medicine, Rela Hospital, Chennai. Lifestyle changes that can reverse insulin resistance The good news is that insulin resistance can often be reversed through lifestyle changes and medical support, especially when caught early. Here is what helps: Move more, sit less: Aim for 30–45 minutes of exercise daily. Even a walk after meals improves insulin sensitivity and helps with sugar cravings 'We need to emphasise resistance or strength training at least thrice a week to build muscle mass, which improves insulin sensitivity,' said Dr Ranjan. Follow a smart plate strategy: 'Be mindful of your carbohydrate intake, and also the time of day you consume them,' added Dr Ranjan. Choose whole grains over white rice or maida, include protein in every meal (dal, eggs, paneer, lean meats), and add fibre through fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks: Packaged snacks, juices and sodas can worsen insulin resistance Prioritise sleep: 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep helps regulate blood sugar and appetite hormones Manage stress levels: Yoga, deep breathing, meditation and time away from screens help. Activities like painting or playing music also support stress reduction Tests to diagnose insulin resistance in India Insulin resistance is usually diagnosed through the HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) test, which measures fasting insulin and glucose levels. The HbA1c test, which shows average blood sugar over 2–3 months, is also useful. These tests are available at most diagnostic labs and typically cost between ₹920 and ₹1,300. How Indian families can tackle it together Insulin resistance is not just a personal health concern—it affects entire families. Shared habits like daily walks, eating home-cooked meals and scheduling check-ups can help Indian households prevent this growing threat. Insulin resistance may be silent, but its consequences are loud. The earlier you act, the better your chances of preventing diabetes and living a full, energetic life. Prevention isn't just better than cure—it's simpler, cheaper and smarter too.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Cortisol belly and cortisol face: Decoding the wellness buzzwords
An inordinate number of health influencers online are talking about the 'cortisol belly' and 'cortisol face,' claiming that this phenomenon is caused by the excess release of the body's main stress hormone. They're also offering prevention strategies that range from scientific to anecdotal, along with before-and-after visuals (see right) that can convince even the hardest of sceptics. No wonder hashtags like #CortisolBelly, #HormoneBalance, and #NervousSystemRegulation are trending on social media, with Google searches for these terms spiking, especially in Western countries. Health experts warn that this trend repackages diet culture as 'self-care' and 'hormone healing'. ''Cortisol' is a buzzword used to sell products or diets, which usually aren't backed by solid science. A more balanced approach is to manage stress through healthy habits like sleep, exercise, and relaxation,' suggests Dr Himika Chawla, senior consultant, endocrinology and diabetology at PSRI Hospital, Delhi. These trends can also increase the likelihood of individuals focusing more on their appearance, rather than on holistic well-being. Cortisol is integral for the body's stress response, blood sugar regulation, and fighting infections. 'Trends like this often pathologise normal body variations, leading to feelings of shame, inadequacy, or failure if one doesn't 'fix' their body,' says Dr Preeti Singh, senior consultant in clinical psychology, Paras Health, Gurugram, adding, 'Women who face societal pressure and low patience for long-term results may be drawn to these quick fixes as social media becomes the modern-day Bible for health and wellness advice.' Influencers claim that cortisol, which is released by the body during fight-or-flight situations, can cause fat to accumulate in the abdominal region and also lead to 'moon face' — characterised by facial bloating and puffiness. 'While it's true that chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the belly and face, the term itself can be a bit misleading. It oversimplifies a complex process. Many factors influence fat distribution, including genetics, lifestyle, sleep, hormones, and diet,' explains Dr Ashish Rani, head of nutrition and dietetics at SGT Medical College and Hospital, Gurugram, adding, 'Calling it a 'cortisol belly or face' can make it sound like cortisol is the only reason, which isn't medically accurate. It's important to see this term as a shorthand, not a full explanation.' 'Regular exercise, sleep, mindfulness, or even talking to someone can help lower cortisol levels naturally. Eating balanced meals that include a mix of protein, healthy fats, and fibre can support stable energy and mood. Instead of trying to control weight strictly, focus on how your body feels and what helps it function well is a better long-term strategy. Add breathing exercises and meditation to reduce stress,' suggests Dr Rani
India Today
28-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
Lifestyle changes not sufficient for type 5 diabetes: How is it treated?
A new type of diabetes was recently recognised by the International Diabetes Federation, called Type 5 from type 1 and type 2, type 5 diabetes, also known as 'Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young,' mostly affects children for genetic reasons. Since it is rare, it often goes undiagnosed in India. Type 5 diabetes is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in a single gene, the HNF1B gene. It usually begins at a younger age and affects more than just blood sugar. It also spreads to organs like the kidneys, pancreas, and reproductive HOW IS TYPE 5 DIABETES DIFFERENT?Type 5 diabetes is inherited and typically presents at a younger age. Besides the kidneys, the genetic disease also affects the reproductive system. It is frequently misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2, since it mimics the symptoms of both to Dr. Himika Chawla, senior consultant, endocrinology and diabetology at PSRI Hospital, said that the symptoms of type 5 diabetes is broader than type 1 (autoimmune) or type 2 (insulin resistance) as it includes abnormalities in the kidneys and the reproductive system. Diet and exercise are important, but type 5 almost always requires medication to control blood sugar and protect organ function."While a healthy diet and exercise control blood sugar, this type often requires medical intervention. Patients typically need oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin therapy, and given its impact on kidney function, regular monitoring is required," said Dr. makes this type stand out are symptoms beyond blood sugar issues, such as kidney cysts, pancreatic dysplasia, hypomagnesemia, an electrolyte abnormality that may assist diagnosis and electrolyte disturbances, especially low serum to correctly diagnose it can mean patients receive inappropriate care, which becomes dangerous if organ complications go fact, a 2022 study across 15 countries found that 88.24% of genetically confirmed type 5 diabetes patients were diagnosed before the age of 25, further stressing its early onset and potential for IS TYPE 5 DIABETES TREATED?"Unlike type 1 diabetes, insulin (hormone) is not immediately required, and unlike type 2, insulin resistance is not the main Chawla said, "Patients may respond initially to sulfonylureas, but many will need insulin later." However, research suggests oral antidiabetics like sulfonylureas often underperform, likely due to structural pancreatic treatment options are being explored, such as GLP-1 medicines like liraglutide that may help some patients by boosting insulin production, even if their organs are not fully type 5 diabetes is being recognised by experts, Dr. Chawla stated that the first step is awareness as educating healthcare professionals and incorporating affordable genetic testing our diagnostic processes can improve care for patients in India.
