The article draws on a study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, which found that South Asians, regardless of their residing country, are at a higher risk for diabetes than most other ethnic groups. The study attributes this to these individuals’ typically lower lean mass. This investigation scrutinizes 197 archaeological and recent South Asian adult skeletons in its inclusive analysis.
Historical Analysis of Lean Mass in South Asians
According to findings disclosed in the study, the Mesolithic hunter-gatherer ancestors of South Asians were notably more towering. However, relatively low lean mass has distinguished South Asians for over 11,000 years. This condition predisposes them to an elevated risk of type-2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease.
Around 9,000 years ago, as South Asians shifted from hunting and gathering to farming, there was a significant decline in height; men saw a decrease of 8.5cm, while women were shorter by 7.7cm. Notably, their lean mass, comprised of organ and muscle mass, has remained consistent for the past 11,000 years.
The Impact of Nutritional Factors and Ecological Pressures
The author of the study posits that nutritional factors influence height, while ecological pressures determine physique, including bone breadth and lean mass. The prevalent low lean mass among South Asians mainly reflects long-term adaptations to ecological pressures rather than recent changes in dietary habits or the effects of famines from the 19th-20th century, worsened by British colonial policy.
Even South Asian infants born in different regions exhibit low lean mass compared to European babies. Surprisingly, even after migration and several generations, South Asian children in countries like the UK still demonstrate lower lean mass compared to children of European descent.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Lean Mass | Includes organ and muscle mass |
| Height Decrease in Men (approx. 9000 years ago) | 8.5cm |
| Height Decrease in Women (approx. 9000 years ago) | 7.7cm |
| Risk of Type-2 Diabetes | Higher in South Asians due to low lean mass |
The Role of Lean Mass in Diabetes Risk
Notwithstanding other risk factors such as unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity, South Asians exhibit a higher propensity for diabetes than their European counterparts.
Future Projections and Imperative Interventions
With lean mass unlikely to see significant changes in the next four to five generations, the study highlights the importance of lifestyle alterations to mitigate NCDs, which are responsible for 60% of all deaths in India.
Suggested Plans of Action and Diabetes Overview
Considering the ancient roots of low lean mass in South Asians, it is deemed unfeasible to witness much change in forthcoming generations. Therefore, encouraging healthy lifestyle practices becomes crucial. Enhanced fitness levels and building muscle mass from an early age can help prevent diabetes and even heart disease.
South Asians should be encouraged to incorporate sports into their school curriculum, along with muscle-building exercises and increased protein intake.
Diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to efficiently process glucose into energy. Insulin, a hormone, controls blood sugar levels. Diabetes occurs when either the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin or the body cells do not respond effectively to insulin produced. This condition can be divided into two types:
1. Type 1 Diabetes results from the pancreas not producing sufficient insulin.
2. Type 2 Diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, occurs when the body does not use insulin properly. Known as insulin resistance, it typically results from obesity and lack of exercise.
