Diabesity

Diabesity is a term that reflects the connection between diabetes and obesity. Roughly 95 percent of type 2 diabetics are overweight. As people gain weight, the need for insulin increases because more cells require fuel. The body has a harder time controlling blood sugar levels, leading to the development of insulin resistance (the inability to use insulin properly) and type 2 diabetes. Researchers have coined this connection between diabetes and obesity as “diabesity.”

For those who are overweight and have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes, one of the best ways to reduce the risk for the disease is to lose weight. Christopher Still, D.O., Obesity Expert with the Geisinger Center for Nutrition and Weight Management in Danville, PA, says patients should aim to lose ten percent of their body weight. The best way to achieve this is by following a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity. They key is to do it slowly, at a rate of about one to one-and-a-half pounds a week. Even this minimal amount of weight loss will reduce the risk for many of the chronic medical conditions associated with being overweight or obese.

Taking the weight off slowly increases the likelihood that weight loss will be permanent. If patients are initially very overweight or obese, they can aim to lose another ten percent once they reach the first weight loss goal.

Overweight people who already have diabetes can also benefit from small amounts of weight loss. However, these patients should speak with their health care provider about the safest way to lose weight while maintaining adequate control over blood sugar levels.