The Link Between Diabetes and Obesity

It’s long been known that type 2 diabetes and obesity are closely related, and the statistics support that fact. According to research, almost 90% of those living with diabetes are overweight or obese. Of just adults with diabetes, more than 45% also have obesity. 

Because having both of these conditions simultaneously is so prevalent, health experts coined the term “diabesity” to refer to all the health risks that come with having type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

But what exactly is the nature of the relationship between diabetes and obesity? And why are they always so closely linked? 

At Botany Wellness in Pearland, Texas, our team, led by Jennifer Ukwu, MD, is passionate about helping patients manage chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This month’s blog focuses on how the two conditions are linked and how we can help you manage them effectively. 

Understanding type 2 diabetes

Diabetes affects how your body processes and uses blood sugar. In type 2 diabetes specifically, your body doesn’t use insulin properly, a hormone your pancreas makes to regulate and move blood sugar into cells. 

When you have type 2 diabetes, your cells become resistant to insulin, raising the amount of blood sugar in your body. As a result, your pancreas has to work overtime to produce more insulin to overcome the rising blood sugar levels. A big part of managing your type 2 diabetes is watching your blood sugar levels to make sure they don’t reach dangerously high levels. 

If you don’t actively manage your type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar levels become too high, you may face serious health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems. 

Understanding obesity

Obesity, or too much body fat, is measured by body mass index (BMI) based on weight and height. If you have a BMI over 25, you’re considered overweight, and the BMI threshold for obesity is 30. 

Carrying excess weight puts you at risk for a wide range of health issues, such as:

• Heart disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Gallstones
• Asthma
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep apnea

Obesity can also affect your mental health and self-esteem, leading to depression and mood disorders.

How type 2 diabetes and obesity are linked

When you have obesity, you’re six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than if you were at a healthy weight. In addition, obesity causes diabetes to worsen at an accelerated pace. But why is this?

Excess body fat, especially around the belly, causes chronic inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation slowly causes your cells to become increasingly resistant to insulin, raising the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. 

As your pancreas tries to keep up with the boosted blood sugar levels, it stores more excess sugar in your liver. However, when you have obesity, your liver is full of fat. With nowhere for all the blood sugar to go, your pancreas wears out and can’t create proper amounts of insulin anymore, triggering type 2 diabetes development. 

Get expert-level care for both diabetes and obesity

Fortunately, you can mitigate the health risks that come with type 2 diabetes and obesity with lifestyle changes and weight loss. Even losing 10% of your body weight takes some stress off your body and lowers your risk of dangerous health issues. 

Our team at Botany Wellness understands that starting a weight-loss journey can feel daunting. However, we offer comprehensive weight-loss plans to help you every step of the way. Even though it can be difficult, the health benefits are more than worth it. 

To get started with managing your type 2 diabetes and obesity, schedule an appointment with our team by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.