Apple shaped women 6 times more likely to become diabetics than pear shaped women

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 20 Mar 2005 - 22:00 PDT

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Women who gain weight around their middles are up to six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women who add pounds around their hips, buttocks and thighs, and their best prevention strategy should be a conversation with their doctor about their body shape, according to Marie Savard, M.D., author of the new book, Apples & Pears: the Body Shape Solution for Weight Loss and Wellness (Atria Books, an imprint of Simon and Schuster; January 2005; $24.95).

"Studies show that, for women, having an apple shape is one of the most potent warning signs of possible diabetes, stronger than either body mass index or waist circumference. While simple blood tests can easily detect type 2 diabetes in its early stages, many women are not diagnosed until the disease has caused serious harm. Apple-shaped women need to discuss their body shape with their doctor -- even bring a tape measure to their next doctor visit -- and make sure they receive appropriate medical tests by the time they turn 40. These include a fasting glucose test, a fasting lipid panel (triglycerides, HDL and LDL, and total cholesterol), and a blood pressure measurement. For these women, taking action early is critical because diabetes is highly preventable," said Dr. Savard.

"Figuring out your body shape is easy. Simply use a flexible tape measure to measure around the narrowest part of your waist to determine your waist circumference. Then measure around your hips -- about three or four inches below your pelvis bone. Divide your waist circumference by your hip measurement to get your waist-to-hip ratio, or WHR. If your WHR is higher than .80, you are apple-shaped," said Dr. Savard.

According to Dr. Savard, by also adopting specific diet and exercise strategies, apple-shaped women can cut their risk of diabetes significantly. Tips in Apples & Pears include:

-- Long-Term Weight-Loss Goal: Lose two inches off your waist.

-- Diet Strategy: Eat high complex carbohydrates, moderate healthy fat and protein; avoid all white flour foods.

-- Best Diet Supplement: Psyllium fiber.

-- Best Exercise: Walk 30 minutes every day to burn apple-zone fat.

Apples & Pears author Dr. Marie Savard is a nationally-known internist, women's health expert and advocate for patients' rights. She is the award-winning author of How to Save Your Own Life and the creator of The Savard Health Record. She lives in Philadelphia. Co-author Carol Svec is a seasoned health writer and the author of three books. More information is available at http://www.applesandpears.org.

Contact: Eileen Savard-Mackison, +1-717-747-0936, or eileen@drsavard.com, for Marie Savard, M.D.

Marie Savard, M.D.
http://www.applesandpears.org