Role of Obesity in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes
The exact cause of developing insulin resistance is not known, but it is known that obesity can make it worse. The development of insulin resistance is a major part in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. The level of insulin resistance and the occurrence of type 2 diabetes are more common in people with “apple” shaped body. Such people have excess body weight around their belly. On the other side, people with “pear” shaped body have less risk of insulin resistance. Such people have most of their body weight in the hips and thighs.
Almost 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are obese. Obese people have added pressure on their body’s ability to use insulin properly to control blood sugar levels. Therefore, they are more susceptible to have diabetes.
Management of Type 2 Diabetes Associated with Obesity :
Even moderate weight loss can improve insulin action. Therefore, weight-loss is an important aim for people with type 2 diabetes. Weight loss can also decrease the requirement of some diabetes medicines. Working on the following factors can be helpful for the management of obesity related type-2 diabetes:
- Diet : For effective weight-loss, calories intake should be decreased. For obese people having diabetes, complex carbohydrates should be decreased in the diet as they can increase the blood sugar more than other foods. The consumption of dietary fiber may improve glycemic control, reduce the hyperinsulinemia. In addition, the high fiber foods are beneficial for weight-loss.
- Physical Activity : Physical activity in routine helps to manage obesity and improve insulin sensitivity. It may also reduce the risk of diabetes. Raising physical activity is one of the most effective approaches for the prevention of both type-2 diabetes and obesity. Research shows that regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity by building muscle and decreasing body fat.
