New studies concluded that man's waist size may predict much more about his risk of developing type 2 diabetes type than any other used measures. Currently doctors use body mass index (BMI) a measure of weight in relation to height to estimate a patient's risk of developing type 2 diabetes and advise him how to lower his risk, such as by losing weight and changing their diet.

Many opinions say that men should have a waist size of less than 40 inches to help prevent developing of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. But recent medical observations say the cutoff for a man's waist size may need to be lowered to 34 inches. As waist size climbed above this level, type 2 diabetes risk rose progressively, as follows:

• waist size of 34 to 36 doubled diabetes risk.
• waist size of 36 to 38 inches nearly tripled the risk.
• waist size of 38 to 40 inches was associated with five times the risk.
• waist size of 40 to 62 inches was associated with 12 times the risk.

Measuring your waist circumference is a simple way to help you identify the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. If you want to do it, note first that it is something different to belt size and follow this procedure:

1. take off your shirt and loosen your belt,
2. then place a tape measure around the waist at a point 1cm below your tummy button,
3. take care to measure the waist circumference with the abdomen relaxed, while breathing out.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men such as diabetes