- Weight management should focus on body composition and waist circumference alongside the scale, as excess fat drives insulin resistance.
- Diabetes nutrition requires consistent meal timing and balanced portions rather than cutting out all carbohydrates.
Endocrinologist Ma Tung Phat addressed the connection between obesity and diabetes management during the Ho Chi Minh City event.
Phat explained that obesity impacts far more than physical appearance, directly tying into insulin resistance, elevated blood sugar, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.
For individuals already diagnosed with diabetes, carrying excess weight makes clinical management significantly harder.
Asian populations face specific clinical thresholds for metabolic risk. A body mass index of 25kg/m² or higher indicates obesity, while a waist circumference of 90cm for men and 80cm for women signals dangerous visceral fat accumulation.
Shedding just 3 to 5 percent of total body weight can meaningfully improve blood glucose and blood lipid profiles.
Nutrition forms a foundational pillar of diabetes care alongside physical activity and prescribed medications, according to endocrinologist Tran Thi Thuy Dung.
Food choices must align with an individual body weight, physical activity level, and overall health status.
A simple visual guide for a balanced meal involves filling half the plate with vegetables and fiber-rich foods, one-quarter with protein, and one-quarter with carbohydrates. Doctors recommend consuming fruit in moderation and choosing whole fruit over juices.
Medical staff warned that products labeled as sugar-free or diabetic-friendly frequently contain hidden carbohydrates and calories.
| Clinical Focus | Key Metric or Threshold | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity Risk (Asian Populations) | BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²; Waist > 90 cm (men), > 80 cm (women) | Target 3 to 5 percent weight reduction via sustainable lifestyle changes |
| Infectious Complications | Impaired immunity from chronic hyperglycemia | Consult physicians regarding shingles and RSV vaccination |
Participants at the November 10 event received health screenings, blood glucose checks, and direct consultations with medical specialists. The program concluded with interactive activities and demonstrations of the UMC Care application to support long-term chronic disease management.
- Health consultation program on diabetes, weight management, and infection prevention. November 2026.
