Obesity may not directly cause diabetes, but it fuels the factors that lead to diabetes. Obesity is primarily a result of poor lifestyle and eating habits. Obese people diagnosed with diabetes have little time to waste in making drastic lifestyle and eating changes. Not achieving a healthy body weight for people with diabetes can bring a host of complications and may even become fatal. Obesity and diabetes are two enemies of yours working in tandem to deteriorate your health, and intervention is crucial.

What you need to know:

Introduction to obesity and diabetes
How are obesity and diabetes related?
Does everyone with obesity develop diabetes?
Obesity and type-1 diabetes
Obesity and type-2 diabetes
How do you prevent obesity and diabetes
Will weight loss help reduce diabetes?

Introduction to obesity and diabetes

Obesity is a condition where the body accumulates abnormally excess amounts of fat and poses the risk of developing several diseases and comorbidities. Any individual with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 is considered obese. As per research, diabetes kills over 4 million people each year. Sometimes, it can be chronic. Diabetes is the body’s inability to either produce or utilize insulin effectively. It is a chronic condition and affects other organs of the body.

How are obesity and diabetes related?

Obesity is a significant risk factor in developing metabolic diseases, including type-2 diabetes. Obesity lowers the body’s capacity to absorb insulin, probably because fat cells can be insulin-resistant compared to muscle cells. Over 80% of people with diabetes are overweight or obese. Additionally, diabetes affects other organs, like kidneys and hearts. Coupled with excess fat lining the organs, it can cause severe damage.

Does everyone with obesity develop diabetes?

No, but it can make you more vulnerable. Even malnutrition can cause type-2 diabetes. Dr Mangesh Tiwaskar, Diabetes Specialist, Mumbai, says, “Lean people also develop diabetes. Obesity can trigger severe complications in patients, so it’s fundamental to lose extra fat and excess body weight.”

Obesity and type-1 diabetes

Type-1 diabetes isn’t as common as type-2 diabetes. It’s the condition where the pancreas cannot produce insulin. Over time, type-1 diabetes with obesity develops insulin resistance. Food habits of type-1 diabetes, even to prevent hypoglycemia, can result in the accumulation of excess fat in the body, leading to obesity. Obesity with type-1 diabetes increases the risk of serious diabetes-related problems and the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Obesity and type-2 diabetes

Obesity is a risk factor that may cause type-2 diabetes, and it’s a problem that needs to be addressed for better diabetes management. Poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to insulin resistance. Over 80% of people with prediabetes are unaware of this condition. The importance of weight loss for obese people with diabetes lies in the fact that it can significantly improve their condition by responding to insulin better and delaying or even preventing any future complications.

How do you prevent obesity and diabetes?

Blood glucose monitoring_Activ Living Community

Preventing obesity involves losing excess calories by making healthy choices daily, such as lifestyle, sleep, or food. These are the same factors that account for a healthy body, but they are not guaranteed to prevent type-2 diabetes. The best an individual can do is maintain a healthy lifestyle and monitor changes so they can consult a doctor early and intervene before it’s too late.

Will weight loss help reduce diabetes?

Weight management_Activ Living Community

Exercise has a systemic effect on the body and positively affects bodily functions. Combine that with good food and adequate sleep, and your body will reach a healthy weight. A healthy body weight is bound to improve your blood sugar regulation and even control your diabetes. If weight loss and proper diabetes management don’t show the desired results, it’s time to visit your doctor.

Diabetes and obesity are linked, but that does not mean your life’s going to get difficult managing both. You may find it challenging, but you can achieve your goals with proper strategy.

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