Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 16: A new study published in Nature emphasizes that where fat is stored in the body matters more than overall weight loss when it comes to reversing prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar is elevated but not yet at diabetic levels. The research shows that reducing abdominal or visceral fat, commonly known as belly fat, can significantly improve blood sugar control and lower the risk of future Type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes affects millions worldwide, with nearly 70 per cent of individuals eventually developing diabetes. Addressing the condition early is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and neuropathy. The study followed over a thousand participants, focusing on 234 individuals who did not achieve significant weight loss. Among them, 51 participants achieved prediabetes remission after a year of lifestyle interventions targeting belly fat, while the remaining 183 did not reach healthy blood glucose levels. This highlights that reducing abdominal fat, even without major weight loss, can reverse prediabetes and cut the risk of diabetes by approximately 70 per cent over a decade.

For Indians, Dr. Anoop Misra, chairman of Fortis C-Doc Hospital for Diabetes, notes that reducing both abdominal subcutaneous fat and visceral fat is essential for metabolic improvement. Increasing muscle mass alongside fat reduction also contributes to better insulin sensitivity and long-term blood sugar control.

Belly fat is particularly harmful because it releases inflammatory substances that interfere with insulin’s ability to move sugar from the bloodstream into cells. This triggers excess insulin production, which can overwhelm the pancreas and lead to elevated blood sugar. Even individuals with a normal weight but a protruding stomach are at higher risk of developing diabetes.

Lifestyle interventions that focus on diet, combining lower carbohydrates with high protein and healthy fats, regular physical activity including resistance and aerobic exercises, and adequate sleep have been shown to reduce abdominal fat. These changes improve insulin function, promote muscle strength, and help sustain healthy blood sugar levels, demonstrating that targeting belly fat is more impactful than focusing solely on overall weight loss.