Obesity has been found to play a massive role in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In fact, recent research has suggested that obese individuals are up to 80 times more likely to develop this ailment than those at a normal weight. Because of this, obese individuals must be informed on the proper management of diabetes, should they develop it.
Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition in which the excess accumulation of fat has a negative impact on a person’s health. Specifically, it causes changes in the body’s metabolism and increases the risk for developing other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the way the human body metabolizes glucose. In T2D, the body either cannot properly use the insulin it makes or does not produce enough insulin at all.
Lack of physical activity, poor diet, and being obese are some factors that contribute to developing T2D. As a person’s BMI increases, so does their risk of developing this disorder.
Insulin Resistance
The body contains specialized receptors that let glucose pass from the bloodstream into the cells. Insulin, a hormone, unlocks these receptors. If these receptors become resistant to insulin, glucose cannot enter the cell and stays in the bloodstream, causing a rise in blood sugar levels.
Fat—especially in the abdominal area—is a leading cause of insulin resistance. Fat clogs up the insulin receptors, preventing insulin from entering the cells. With this, sugar is not removed effectively from the blood, leading to the development of diabetes.
Conclusion
Medical treatment is required to lower blood sugar levels. However, drugs alone cannot reverse the harmful effects of type 2 diabetes: research shows that physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity—and aid in the fight against obesity. As such, following a healthy, active lifestyle is an excellent way to treat and avoid these conditions.
Doctor’s Recommendation
It is essential to understand that type 2 diabetes is highly genetic, and sometimes, even living a perfect lifestyle will still have the disease manifest itself. However, this is uncommon, and even if it is uncommon, the individual is much more likely to be able to have their disease ameliorated with metformin alone. As such, it is rational for every individual with a predisposition to type 2 diabetes not to engage in a low carbohydrate diet and participate in the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 300 minutes of weekly cardio.
