Understanding the Link Between Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Obesity frequently accompanies type 2 diabetes. Research shows that nearly 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are either overweight or obese, suggesting that excess body weight is a primary risk factor for developing this condition.

Dr. Sabharwal, Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeon at SCOD Clinic, describes how the accumulation of fat around the abdomen area can lead to chronic inflammation. This inflammation, in turn, alters the body’s response to insulin—the hormone responsible for sugar level management. Eventually, this results in insulin resistance and the onset of type 2 diabetes.

How Obesity Disrupts Insulin Function
Fat tissue is more than just stored energy; it actively releases hormones and chemicals. The most significant effect is in obesity which alters the hormonal equilibrium, creating stronger insulin resistance and heightening the difficulty of regulating sugar.

“Obesity will severely harm health outcomes after diabetes develops,” Dr. Sabharwal states. “It increases the danger of complications such as heart diseases, kidney damage, nerve damage, and impairment to vision.”

Weight Management Can Make a Big Impact
Dr. Sabharwal sees encouraging results with even modest weight reduction. For instance, the body’s insulin sensitivity improves along with blood sugar levels after losing as little as 5-10% of body weight, especially for those in advanced stages of pre-diabetes.

How to Avoid Diabetes

To help prevent or postpone the onset of diabetes, Dr. Sabharwal suggests the following tips:

Balanced diet: Include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

Physical activity: Engage in 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week.

Stress management: Make use of meditation and breathing exercises.

Quality sleeping: Sleep for 7–9 hours nightly.

In such instances, patients may require alternative medical treatments, such as drugs or bariatric surgery, especially for uncontrolled diabetes coupled with severe obesity, as the condition becomes unmanageable through changes in lifestyle alone.