Why South Asian Women Get Diabetes Younger—and What You Can Do About It
Have you ever wondered why South Asian women develop prediabetes and diabetes at younger ages—and at lower weights—than other ethnic groups, even when doing everything right?
You're not imagining it. As a South Asian endocrinologist who’s treated thousands of high-achieving women navigating metabolic challenges—and as someone who’s lived this story myself—I want you to know: there’s a reason, and it’s not your fault.
✅ Today, I’m breaking it down in this new YouTube video, so you can finally understand what’s happening in your body—and what you can do about it:
🎥 Watch here → Why South Asian Women Get Diabetes Younger
Why Are South Asian Women More at Risk?
We carry unique metabolic risk factors due to a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental forces—even when we’re eating clean and staying active.
📌 Here’s what the research shows:
Lower muscle mass and higher visceral (belly and liver) fat, even at lower weights
Lower adiponectin levels, reducing insulin sensitivity
Pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, making insulin production harder
Cultural diets high in refined carbs and saturated fats
Less physical activity, especially among women
Intergenerational metabolic programming from past undernutrition and rapid modernization
Higher rates of diabetes and prediabetes, even when BMI, age, and sex are controlled for (as seen in the MASALA study)
Key message:
If you’ve ever asked, “How can I have prediabetes when I’m not overweight and I eat healthy?”—you’re not alone, and you’re not to blame. Your biology and history matter.
What You Can Do Today to Reduce Your Risk
🩺 1. Get proper testing
Ask for:
A1C
Fasting glucose
Fasting insulin or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
Lipids + advanced markers like lipoprotein(a), ApoB, or coronary calcium score
📊 2. Know your body composition
DEXA or InBody scans give more insight than weight or BMI alone. Focus on muscle-to-fat ratio, not just pounds.
🏋️♀️ 3. Strength train
Muscle is metabolic gold. Building lean mass improves insulin sensitivity dramatically—cardio is great, but lifting changes your metabolism.
Why Our Clinic Is Different
At Complete Medicine, we specialize in metabolic care for women like you—smart, proactive, and already doing so much right.
🕰️ Unrushed, in-depth visits
We get to know your story, your struggles, and what’s actually realistic for your life.
📞 Direct access to your doctor
No waiting days for a reply. You can call, text, or email between visits.
📍 Telemedicine that fits your life
From meetings, carline, or home—we meet you where you are.
🥗 Personalized plans for your culture and preferences
Our registered dietitian and diabetes educator build sustainable plans that work with your food, not against it.
Ready to Take Charge of Your Metabolic Health?
Click to schedule a visit with us and get a personalized plan that helps you feel your best—now and for decades to come.
🙌 Help Us Spread the Word
Our YouTube channel is back, and this is our first new episode!
If this video resonated with you, please:
👍 Like it
💬 Comment
📢 Share it with your community
Together, we can educate and empower more women to reclaim their metabolic health.
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Let’s change how we care for women’s health—together.
With love,
Dr. Arti Thangudu
