Jan 17 2008
The Link Between Obesity and Diabetes
Over seventeen million Americans have Diabetes. That is 6.2% of the nation’s population. Of those seventeen million, 90% are what is termed type 2 Diabetics. Coincidentally, a large number of these are considered obese, which fact leads us to the question, is their a link between type 2 diabetes and obesity?
It turns out that it’s no coincidence. Carrying extra body weight goes hand in hand with the development of type 2 diabetes. Being overweight puts added pressure on the body’s ability to properly control blood sugar using insulin and therefore much more likely for you to develop diabetes.
Research studies have shown that before gaining weight, overweight people have a slower metabolic rate compared to people of the same weight. This slower metabolic rate, combined with a high fat diet and tendency to retain body fat, may very likely be the cause of the epidemic we see today.
The good news is that this epidemic is largely preventable. Research studies have found that lifestyle changes and small amounts of weight loss can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes among high-risk adults.
Experts conducted dozens of clinical trials to determine the effect of weight loss on people with type 2 diabetes. It was found that weight loss caused by lifestyle changes reduces blood glucose levels in some patients with type 2 diabetes.
The same panel reviewed applicable treatment strategies designed for weight loss. Their recommendations included: Dietary Therapy-a low calorie diet subtracting 500 to 1000 calories per day. Physical activity- individuals should start moderate activity for 30-45 minutes, 3-5 days a week and aim for at least 30 minutes or more of moderate activity on all days of the week. Pharmacotherapy-using FDA-approved weight loss medications, in combination with diet and physical activity. Weight Loss surgery- option for carefully selected patients with clinically severe obesity when less invasive methods of weight loss have failed and the patient is at high risk for obesity-related illness or death.
These methods should be used for long-term weight control and to prevent weight-gain as well.
Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented. Frightening statistics can be lowered if we follow helpful suggestions. High risk individuals need to take immediate action in order to prevent further complications.