Diabetes is becoming increasingly common in Indian and South Asian communities, but how much do we really understand about what causes it, how to prevent it, and what we can do about our risk?In this episode of The Balance Talk Show, we have an insightful conversation with Associate Professor Anju Joham, endocrinologist and diabetes researcher, about insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, PCOS/PMOS, weight, carbohydrates, exercise and the lifestyle changes that can make a real difference.In this episode:We break down the science behind diabetes and discuss why South Asians can be at higher risk of metabolic disease, even when they may not appear overweight.One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation:You don't have to completely eliminate carbohydrates or sugar to prevent diabetes. The bigger picture is your overall diet, portion sizes, physical activity, healthy weight and regular health screening.In this episode:• What diabetes actually is and the difference between Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 diabetes• What insulin resistance means and how it affects blood glucose• The connection between PCOS/PMOS and Type 2 diabetes• Why South Asians can develop diabetes at a lower BMI• Visceral fat and why where you store fat matters• How carbohydrates affect blood glucose and insulin• Why the type and portion of carbohydrates matter• Whether sugar actually causes diabetes• Sugar vs jaggery vs honey vs maple syrup• Artificial sweeteners and diabetes risk• Why a 10–15 minute walk after a meal can help with blood glucose• How much exercise you should aim for each week• Why prediabetes and early diabetes often have no symptoms• Gestational diabetes and what it can tell you about future health• Intermittent fasting and insulin resistance• How weight loss can improve metabolic health• What a balanced, high-protein breakfast can look like• Healthy fats and their role in our diet• Common diabetes myths: fact or fiction• Four habits that can help protect your metabolic healthA thought worth remembering:“I don't have enough time to do something” can sometimes be reframed as “I don't prioritise this.”As Anju explains, there is no single exercise routine or diet that works for everyone. The goal is to find healthy habits that fit your lifestyle and that you can sustain long term.Meet Our Guest:Associate Professor Anju JohamAnju Joham is an endocrinologist at Monash Health and a senior research fellow at Monash University. Her research focuses on diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity and PCOS/PMOS. She also conducts research within the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, with a strong focus on women's health. FOLLOW DR. ANJU:You can learn more about Anju's clinical and research work through Monash University and the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation. FOLLOW THE BALANCE TALK SHOW:Instagram: @thebalancetalkshowIf you found this conversation useful, listen to The Balance Talk Show on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/GQv_PJppcSA?si=IWT9GjLE8LEzYcHMStay balanced.#Diabetes #DiabetesPrevention #InsulinResistance #Type2Diabetes #PCOS #SouthAsianHealth #IndianHealth #MetabolicHealth #DiabetesAwareness #HealthyLifestyle #Nutrition #Fitness #WomensHealth #TheBalanceTalkShow