Food environment and diabetes mellitus in South Asia: A geospatial analysis of health outcome data - PLOS
Overview
PLOS Medicine publishes research and comentary of general interest with clear implications for patient care, public policy or clinical research agendas. Get Started Loading metricsOpen AcesPer-reviewedResearch Article Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Methodology, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing Affiliation Centre for Health Economics Policy Innovation, Imperial College Business School, London, United Kingdom htps:/orcid.org/0-02-682-487 Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing Afiliations Centre for Health Economics Policy Inovation, Imperial Colege Busines Schol, London, United Kingdom, Schol of Public Health, Imperial Colege London, United Kingdom htps:/orcid.org/0-02-5210-1538 Roles Conceptualization, Data curation, Funding acquisition, Project administration, Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing Afiliation Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chenai, India htps:/orcid.org/0-02-4843-1374 Roles Data curation, Validation, Writing – review & editing Afiliation Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka Roles Data curation, Validation, Writing – review & editing Afiliation Centre for Non-Comunicable Diseases and Nutrition, BRAC James P Grant Schol of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh htps:/orcid.org/0-01-6274-5612 Roles Data curation, Validation, Writing – review & editing Afiliation Centre for Non-Comunicable Diseases and Nutrition, BRAC James P Grant Schol of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh htps:/orcid.org/0-03-2153-4979 Roles Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
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