Learn how type 2 diabetes can be avoided. Do you know how your lifestyle choices are affecting your health? What body shape do you have … if you are overweight and don’t want type 2 diabetes you are better to be a ‘pear’ shape rather than an ‘apple’ shape. In just a moment you will find out why this is: 

excess body fat around the abdomen or central area is more indicative of type 2 diabetes than anything else.  There is a direct connection between increased abdominal weight and insulin resistance, and diabetes.  
insulin works less effectively in your body when you are overweight, especially when you store excess fat on your waist.
fat stored around your internal organs is different to fat stored on your hips.  This particular fat allows fatty acids and hormones to leak into your circulation and they then act as a signal that your fat stores are full.  Then fewer insulin receptors are made to absorb glucose.

Imagine yourself losing a small amount of weight … say 5-10% of your body weight.  Fat stores around organs are easier to lose than fat on your hips. Here is a quick way to check if you are ‘apple’ or ‘pear’ shape:

a waist measurement of more than 37″ (94cm) for most men, or 31″ (80cm) for most women is a sign of internal fat deposits around your pancreas, your kidneys, liver and heart.
over these measurements would indicate you are ‘apple’ shape.

To check your risk level, it is important you measure your waist accurately:

measure directly against your skin
breathe out normally
tape should be firm but not compressing your skin
the ideal place to measure is halfway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone.   In other words roughly in line with your belly button

Usually men and women who successfully lose a modest amount of weight by using a low-GI diet and by increasing their physical activity, find they reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.