What Is Connection Between Obesity And Diabetes

  • by DiabetesHealthMatters


The exact reason for diabetes has not yet been understood but, there are certain factors that are responsible for this. Obesity is undoubtedly one of them. Yes, it has an inextricable connection with diabetes. Research has shown that obesity can significantly increase blood pressure and blood glucose level. As a result, the person will suffer from diabetes and heart disease. However, here, we will specifically talk about the connection between diabetes and obesity. Now, before elaborating the connection between obesity and diabetes, we must talk about the difference between obesity and overweight.

Overweight Vs. Obesity

Most people get confused between these two words- overweight and obesity. If we talk about from the perspectives of medical definition, you will find a subtle difference. In the case of obesity, the person has excessive body fat and this can have a deadly impact upon the health system. On the other side, if we talk about overweight, it is different from obesity. This weight can come from body water or fat, bone, and muscle. If you are weighing more than 20% of your ideal weight, you will be considered obese.

Connection Between Obesity And Diabetes

By now, you have understood the difference between obesity and diabetes. Now, talking about diabetes, there are different types of diabetes- type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes. Now, almost 90% of the diabetic patient across the globe are suffering from type 2 diabetes. Obese people have a very high risk of having type 2 diabetes that is also known as adult-onset diabetes or insulin-resistant diabetes. In such a case, the body does not create enough insulin and this is where problems start.
In the case of obese people, the fat tissues of the body cells process more nutrients. They go beyond their capability and as a result, it triggers body inflammation. Therefore, a protein that is called cytokines is released. Cytokines basically block the insulin receptors’ signals. It ultimately leads to insulin resistance. In the case of insulin resistance, the body does not create enough insulin. Moreover, the cells of the body do not properly respond to insulin. Sugar cannot enter into the body cells and so, it starts building up in the blood. Eventually, it leads you to type 2 diabetes. Insulin basically breaks down the sugar and you get energy. Now, when insulin resistance happens, the sugar cannot get converted into energy and thus, you see a remarkable rise in the blood glucose level.

Disruption In The Fat Metabolism

Obesity changes the metabolism in our body. As a result, fat molecules are released into the blood. Ultimately, it can affect the cell’s insulin responsiveness and apart from this, it can also mitigate the insulin sensitivity. Eventually, it will lead to type 2 diabetes.

So, as of now, you have understood the connection between diabetes and obesity. Now, the good thing is that if you follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you can get rid of excessive fat.