
Obesity is defined as the condition where your BMI or body mass index is more than 30. It is basically a number derived by calculating your body mass divided by the square of the body height. 18.5 to 25 are defined as a healthy weight, and 25-30 as being overweight.
Diabetes can be caused due to obesity. However, type 2 diabetes is linked obesity and not usually the type 1. Remember the latter is usually not connected with lifestyle factors and other diabetic forms like gestational diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes and obesity
Individuals who are obese tend to be at a much greater risk of diabetes as compared to individuals within a healthy weight. The risk of an obese person getting diabetes is threefold. Also, the way your fat is distributed in the body is another factor that impacts diabetes. In many cases, men or women with higher fat deposit around the stomach area were known to be more prone to diabetes. But the precise mechanism of this relation is still unclear. There are some obese individuals who don’t get diabetes and there are some diabetic people who are not obese. But in many cases, obesity and diabetes directly impact each other.
Obesity and its impact on the body
One study by the ‘Science’ revealed that overweight or obese individuals were more prone to stress, which also had an impact on their cells. Obesity tends to over-stress membranous network named endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Since there are more nutrients to process than what your body can handle, it sends out a warning signal. Because of this, insulin is dumped into the system at a higher pace, which in turn affects your body insulin resistance. With such high levels of glucose in the blood, your symptoms of diabetes commence.
Also, in many cases obesity triggers changes in the metabolism rate of the body. As a result, fat deposits increase and this also causes hormonal and chemical changes in the body including release of high amounts of fatty acids that are known to cause development of insulin resistance. Often this resistance to insulin is triggered off and followed with dysfunction in the pancreas that prevent release of insulin and this may cause inability to control blood glucose levels.
Controlling obesity

- Your best bet here would be controlling your obesity levels and also trying to manage your weight. If you can do the same while you are on the borderline, then nothing like it. Not only will it reduce risks of diabetes but also help you have a healthier life.
- If you are diabetic and obese, then it is time to get serious about an action plan. You should indulge in exercises like walking, yoga, cardio or whatever you can make time for. 30-40 minutes of exercise everyday is suggested.
- Additionally, being obese puts you at higher risks of associated diseases, especially heart diseases. So make sure that you get a medical check up from time to time and also monitor your sugar levels more diligently.
- In acute cases, alternatives like Bariatric surgery may be suggested.