I Was Live on BBC Radio London — Here’s What You Need to Know About Diabetes Risk
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and this year, the message feels more urgent than ever.
Yesterday, I joined Alpa Patel on BBC Radio London to talk about why diabetes rates continue to rise — especially in the South Asian community — and what we can all start doing today to reduce our risk.
If you missed it, you can listen to the full interview here
Most of us know at least one person living with type 2 diabetes — a parent, sibling, friend, colleague… and in the South Asian community, the numbers are even more alarming.
As South Asians we are up to six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
And it’s not just about sugar or desserts.
It’s the way we eat, the portion sizes, our sedentary lifestyle, and the misunderstanding of early warning signs.
During the interview, I shared the truth I see every day in my practice:
Many people believe they’re doing the right thing…
…yet their blood sugar, weight, and belly fat keep creeping up.
In the interview, I explained exactly why this happens and how simple changes can make a powerful difference.
Key Highlights From the Interview
1️⃣ Why South Asians are at higher risk
Even at a “healthy” weight, our risk is higher. We discussed the NHS guidance that a BMI over 23 (not 25) is considered overweight for South Asians — something most people don’t realise.
2️⃣ The REAL cause of rising diabetes rates
It’s not just sugar.
It’s too many refined grains, not enough protein, not enough fibre, and the explosion of ultra-processed foods now part of daily life.
3️⃣ What a balanced plate should look like
I explained how breakfast cereals, fruit alone, and carb-heavy meals spike sugar easily — and what to replace them with, using practical Indian and vegetarian examples.
4️⃣ The hidden problem of artificial sweeteners
Many “low sugar” foods contain sweeteners that still trigger cravings and keep sugar levels unstable.
5️⃣ Why medication alone isn’t enough
In the interview I shared the risks many ignore:
Heart disease, kidney issues, nerve damage, vision loss, and even amputation.
Medication helps — but without lifestyle changes, the risks remain.
6️⃣ How walking after meals helps sugar levels
Just 10–15 minutes after meals reduces insulin resistance and improves glucose uptake — a simple change that makes a remarkable difference.
Diabetes can be improved, and even reversed
I spoke about clients who have reduced medication, reversed pre-diabetes and even reversed diabetes and regained their energy — simply by learning what to eat, how to balance meals, and how to build habits they can maintain.
Message I Want to Share With You Too
Your health is in your hands.
Doctors diagnose and treat, but we must take charge of how we eat, move, sleep, and manage stress.
Small daily changes—consistently done—transform your long-term health more than anything else.
And if diabetes runs in your family, this matters even more.
To join my FREE Diabetes Masterclass CLICK HERE