Reasons Obese People Are at Higher Risk of Diabetes

Having excess body weight or obesity can indeed increase the risk of various kinds of dangerous diseases, one of which is diabetes. How are the two conditions related? Check out the full explanation below.
The link between overweight and diabetes
People who are overweight do have a higher risk of developing diabetes, especially if there is a pile of fat in the stomach. Obesity can also cause diabetes to worsen more quickly.
The following are several factors that cause people who are overweight to suffer from diabetes, including:
1. Fat Deposits Cause Insulin Resistance
People who are overweight generally have lots of fat deposits in various organs of the body, including the liver.
Accumulation of excess amounts of fat in the body can cause metabolic disorders and diseases, including insulin resistance which eventually forms type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The insulin hormone is responsible for carrying glucose to all muscle cells to be converted into energy. In addition, glucose will also be taken to the liver to be stored as an energy reserve when the body needs it.
When the body experiences insulin resistance, glucose cannot be accepted by muscle cells. The liver also cannot receive energy reserves anymore due to accumulated fat. Finally, glucose accumulates in the blood circulation.
At this stage, the pancreas will release more insulin until it can’t take it anymore and insulin production decreases. This condition will lead to diabetes.
Also Read: High in Fiber and Protein, Here are 3 Benefits of Green Beans for Diabetics
2. Inflammatory Response of the Body
Fat deposits in the abdomen also cause fat cells to release chemical compounds that can cause inflammation. These chemical compounds will make the body less sensitive to insulin by interfering with the function of cells in responding to insulin.
As a result, the body becomes resistant to insulin. This condition will cause a pile of glucose in the blood, which is characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Weight Loss Tips
Having excess weight does have a bad risk to health. Therefore, you are advised to lose weight.
Here are some ways that can help you lose weight in a healthy way, including:
1. Reducing Simple Carbohydrate Consumption
One way to help you lose weight is to give up sugar, starch or simple carbohydrates. This type of carbohydrate tends to be easily digested by the body and is used directly as energy or stored as energy reserves.
You are advised to consume more complex types of carbohydrates. This type of carbohydrate contains more fiber, so it is digested more slowly and does not cause spikes in blood sugar.
In addition, complex carbohydrates will also make you full longer so that you automatically consume fewer calories, thus helping you lose weight.
Also Read: Why are men more prone to diabetes than women?
2. Increase the Consumption of Vegetables, Protein and Healthy Fats
You can try to consume a variety of foods at each meal. To balance nutrition and help you lose weight, it is recommended that you consume a source of protein, good fats, vegetables and a small portion of complex carbohydrates.
Protein can help maintain health and maintain muscle mass when losing weight. Consuming adequate amounts of protein can increase satiety and reduce cravings snacking.
Vegetables are a food source that is rich in nutrients without increasing calories and carbohydrates. The fiber content in vegetables can make you feel full longer. Remember to consume non-starchy vegetables to reduce calorie intake.
Don’t be afraid to eat fat. The body still needs good fats for body health. You can try consuming olive oil and avocado oil.
3. Increase Physical Activity
Exercise can help you lose weight faster. It is recommended that you do weight-lifting exercises to burn calories and help prevent your metabolism from slowing down due to weight loss.
You can try lifting weights three to four times a week. You can also try aerobic activities, such as walking, running, cycling or swimming.
In the end, everything that is excessive is certainly not good, including having excess body weight.
- Anonymous. 2021. Diabetes: How Obesity Is Related to Diabetes. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diabesity-the-connection-between-obesity-and-diabetes/. (Accessed February 1, 2023).
- Anonymous. 2022. Diabetes and Obesity. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-obesity.html. (Accessed February 1, 2023).
- Gunnars, Kris. 2022. Want to Lose Weight Fast? These Science-Backed Tips Can Help You Lose Weight Sustainably. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible. (Accessed February 1, 2023).
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