The consequences of obesity are huge, but one of the most talked about consequences is diabetes. Due to that, a new term appeared for this association: diabesity. The Centers for Disease Control have done a report, which shows that diabetes has officially reached epidemic proportions. Almost 17 million Americans suffer from diabetes, which is a 49 percent increase in the past decade!
The two main forms of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes because the body loses the ability to produce insulin, leaving the individual reliant on regular injections of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This form of diabetes typically develops early in life, but it may also occur secondary to uncontrolled or advanced Type 2 diabetes.
Nevertheless, Type 2 diabetes is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes. It is particularly associated with obesity, lack of inactivity and undergoing a poor diet plan. Previously, it was thought that this type of diabetes was associated with aging, but we see that it comes in many young children due to their huge tendency toward obesity, lack of activity and bad eating habits.
The link between obesity and diabetes is quite strong – over 60 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes are obese. The reason for this is that obesity leads to the development of a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that is released from the pancreas in response to elevated blood sugar. When we eat, our food is broken down and digested, and the sugar that is absorbed from our meal causes our blood sugar level to rise. Insulin works to bring sugar (glucose) into the cell where it is used for energy, thus lowering our blood sugar.
Due to the insulin resistance, our body cannot respond properly to the insulin it already produces. Consequently, blood sugar level keeps being increased, and the body produces even more insulin trying to lower the sugar levels. However, since the body is resistant to insulin, it is unable to bring the blood sugar down, and remains elevated.
As the researchers claim, the more you suffer from obesity, the greater your chances to become sick of diabetes are. Therefore, take this information as an enticement and start doing something to develop a leaner and healthier body.
Obesity and Diabetes often go together. To find our if there is a link between them visit my Weight Loss System website
