The X Factor

NOW it can be told: India is widely regarded as the epicentre for diseases like diabetes, heart disease and breast cancer. Along with native Americans, African-Americans and Hispanics8212;as well as other Asians8212;Indians have something called the Metabolic Syndrome X, which increases the risk for these three diseases. In other words, that means if someone in your immediate family has had either of these diseases, you8217;re more likely to get it than not.

But there8217;s hope yet. New research into inherited diseases shows the first line of defence lies in simple lifestyle changes. A brisk daily walk cuts the risk for heart attacks by half, while eating nuts daily reduces the risk of diabetes. The moral: You can8217;t change your genes, but you can change the way you live8212;and postpone or even prevent the inevitable.

nbsp;	DIY CHECKS
		nbsp;	Body girth and skin discolouration are the two primary giveaways of the presence of the Metabolic Syndrome X. Try these tests at home: 8226; Measure your tummy around the belly button. A circumference of 100 cm and above indicates a high risk of diabetes and heart disease. 8226; Check your waist-to-hip ratio. It should be no greater than .85 in women and .9 in men. 8226; Check for skin lesions. A dark thickening of the skin, especially at the neck and body folds, indicates insulin- resistance.	nbsp;

Why are Indians at higher risk for certain diseases?
Central to the Metabolic Syndrome X is insulin-resistance: a condition in which insulin8212;the hormone that controls the level of sugar in the blood8212;works inefficiently and the body compensates by producing an excess supply. High insulin levels are associated with obesity, an abnormal lipid profile combining high triglycerides with low HDL good cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

How do genes impact disease?
While genetic predisposition may not be health destiny, studies indicate inherited genetic variations are a major risk factor for diseases. But this is not a simple equation. 8216;8216;Most of the diseases are caused by a combination of a number of genes. It is not necessary that parents pass on all their genes to the children. So the risk reduces with generations,8217;8217; says Dr Alok Agarwal, senior consultant at the Indraprastha Apollo, New Delhi.

What constitutes a proactive combat regime
The most important step is to wake up to inherited disease factors early. Dr Agarwal provides a handy guide:

Diabetes in the family:
Wake-up call: Between 10-15 years of age, down from 20
Watch out for: Unexplained fatigue; weight gain; lethargy in spite of eating well could be indication of Syndrome X
Wellness regime: Eat nuts daily. Drink coffee. Dutch researchers found that those who drank several cups of coffee a day were 50 per cent less likely to develop diabetes. Exercise thrice a week, it cuts diabetes risk by 70 per cent. Check your blood sugar every six months.

Heart disease in the family
Wake-up call: 20, down from 30
Watch out for: Chest pain, heaviness, breathlessness, pain in the left arm
Wellness regime: Regular exercise cuts chances of developing heart and circulatory disease by more than 60 per cent. Reduce stress, manage anger and cut down on alcohol intake. Control blood pressure and weight. Go heavy on fish oils, fruits and vegetables. Limit fried food and margarine. Slash salt intake. TMT tests and cholesterol checks are a must after the age of 20.

Breast cancer in the family
Wake-up call: In women after 35
Watch out for: Swelling in the glands, lump on the breast
Wellness regime: Moderate but regular exposure to sunlight can cut breast cancer risks by a third. Consume more phyto-oestrogens like soyabeans, milk, tofu, beans, lentils and pulses8212;between three-five servings daily. Balance alcohol with anti-oxidants: A study has found a daily glass of wine can increase breast cancer risk by 7 per cent. Anti-oxidants in fruit and vegetables, however, balance the ill-effects. Go in for mammographs after the age of 30.

Next week: More inherited diseases, and how to combat them