Diabetes: It's Not Just Your Fathers' Insulin
Endocrinologist Dr. Vasdev Lohano talks about new options in the armamentarium for the treatment of diabetes.
The Link Between Diabetes and Obesity
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among obese adults is seven to eight times higher than adults with normal weight, and having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more makes you 20 times more likely to develop diabetes.
The team at Premier Primary Care is here to help if you’re struggling with obesity and worried that you may be at risk for diabetes. We offer a range of services for diabetes screening, treatment, and education, as well as medically-supervised weight loss programs.
Our team compiled this blog to help you understand the relationship between diabetes and obesity and know your options for better health.
Fast facts about obesity and diabetes
Obesity is categorized using body mass index (BMI), and individuals with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. Factors that can contribute to obesity include:
- Genetics
- Family history of obesity
- Hormones
- Lifestyle and habits
- Changes to your metabolic processes
On the other hand, diabetes is a chronic condition that happens when your body can’t correctly process glucose (also known as blood sugar). This happens for two reasons:
- Your body naturally doesn’t make enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes).
- Your body developed a resistance to insulin (Type 2 diabetes).
So, what is the link between these two health conditions?
Why obesity puts you at risk for diabetes
The main reason obesity is linked with diabetes is that obesity causes significant changes in your body functions, namely your inflammatory response and fat metabolism.
1. Increased inflammation
Research suggests that the presence of excess abdominal fat makes your fat cells release pro-inflammatory chemicals, interfering with your cells’ abilities to respond to insulin. This causes the core problem associated with type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance).
You may have heard that having excess weight around your stomach is more dangerous than putting on weight in other areas, and this change in your body’s inflammatory response is one of the reasons. Abdominal obesity also puts you at a much higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
2. Changes to fat metabolism
Obesity also affects the way your body metabolizes fat. As you become more obese, your adipose (fat) tissue releases free fatty acids that decrease your body’s sensitivity and response to insulin. This can push you into the prediabetes stage (borderline diabetes), where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, or cause type 2 diabetes if no lifestyle changes are made.
If your body is in the prediabetes stage, it’s not too late to reverse the effects. With a healthy diet and proper exercise, you can significantly decrease the amount of abdominal fat in your body and lower your risk for diabetes.
How we can help
Studies suggest that regular exercise can reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes by up to 58%. However, we know that’s easier said than done. That’s why our team of weight loss specialists are here to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Our providers design a personalized medically supervised weight loss program based on your initial body weight, needs, and lifestyle. By monitoring your progress during regular appointments, we can also adjust your program to ensure you get the best results possible.
You can also come in for a diabetes screening if you’re obese or have any of the risk factors associated with diabetes. Our providers are happy to answer any questions you may have and create personalized treatment plans if you have prediabetes or diabetes.
Obesity is strongly associated with diabetes, but that doesn’t mean that you need to fall victim to either of these conditions. To learn more about our weight loss or diabetes treatment programs, call our Union City, Tennessee, office, or book online to schedule your appointment today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
How Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Your High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can kill you, which is why many people take medication for the rest of their lives to keep it under control. If you want to skip the meds, try these lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.
Understanding How Immunotherapy Works for Your Allergies
You may know it as an allergy shot, but that name doesn’t do justice to the fascinating science behind this effective immunotherapy. Here’s how it works and why it might be the solution to your pesky — and even life-threatening — allergies.
Getting Rid of Wrinkles with Radiofrequency Technology
There’s a way to tighten your wrinkled face and loose skin without needles or knives. Keep reading to find out how TempSure® Envi can restore the smooth texture and soft contours of your youth.
Start Your New Year with Medical Supervision for Your Weight Loss Goals
Did you resolve to lose weight this year? You’re not alone — thousands of people make the same declaration, but many of them fail because they rely on extreme diets. Do it differently this year with a medically supervised program that works.
The Importance of Men's Screenings
You protect your loved ones. You work hard. You do all you can to make the world a better place — shouldn’t you put the same level of care into your health? Learn how men’s health screenings can help you do those things for years to come.