Being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing the common type of Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes. In this disease, the body makes enough insulin but the cells in the body have become resistant to the salutary action of insulin. Obese individuals have a higher proportion of body fat. Fat cells in particular make it more difficult for insulin to be used correctly by the body. Although it is possible for people who are neither overweight nor obese to develop type 2 diabetes, this situation usually only happens in senior citizens.
Scientists know that obesity is a key player in the development of Type 2 Diabetes and while trying to answer that question, Harvard University researchers have discovered a new pathway that sets in motion a series of reactions that leads to the development of insulin resistance, a precursor of Type 2 Diabetes, a new study reports.
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The researchers found that obesity causes stress in a system which in suppresses the signals of insulin receptors, which then leads to insulin resistance. This progressively develops into Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a number of unpleasant side effects, especially over a long period of time, including heart disease, stroke, kidney
failure, and the amputation of limbs in extreme cases.
The first line of treatment for type 2 diabetes typically changes in diet and beginning an exercise routine. Patients who do not respond to these conservative treatments may be candidates for medication or surgery. Large studies have shown that regular exercise and weight loss of just 5-10% of body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes by nearly 60%. Maintaining a normal weight and keeping physically active can reduce risk even further. Keeping sugar intake in check, as well as intake of highly refined carbohydrates, is also important for reducing diabetes risk. In addition, just as getting enough sleep on a regular basis is important for preventing obesity, so too does it reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
The good news is diabetes which is caused due to obesity can be fought through disciplined eating and regular exercise. So instead of giving up it's time to change the way we lead our lives.
