A number of medical conditions, the so-called “non-communicable diseases”, are now being linked to obesity. Health professionals group these together into a collection of conditions called the “Metabolic Syndrome”, a cluster of the most dangerous heart attack risk factors: diabetes and raised fasting plasma glucose, abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Digestion of food raises levels of blood glucose, the basic fuel of all biological processes. When the amount of body fat is excessive, this upsets the delicate insulin balance needed to promote the correct use of blood glucose. The result is insulin resistance and increased insulin secretion. This in turn increases risks for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, ovarian cysts and cancers.
Nestlé scientists know that losing weight is only part of the solution. The other part is to prevent weight gain. Prolonging the feeling of fullness after eating can help people feel better while controlling their weight. Here, Nestlé already has products on the market rich in natural slow-release starches that delay the rise in blood glucose after eating, which also offer health benefits for diabetics.
Learn more about Nestlé Nutrition products for diabetes.