Does Diabetes Cause Obesity?

Does Diabetes Cause Obesity?

Actually the evidence is strong that it is just the opposite – obesity probably causes diabetes.

There are many studies recently done that have shown a direct connect between obesity and a diagnosis of Type-2 diabetes, which is non-insulin dependent diabetes. It is also known as adult onset diabetes. But recently, Type-2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children who are overweight as well as overweight adolescents. With Type-2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but because of the interference from complications of obesity does not allow the body to use it correctly.

The body of Type-2 diabetes because of an overproduction of insulin can no longer generate the correct amount of insulin to manage a healthy blood glucose levels and starts to develop a resistance to insulin.

90% of diabetics are usually diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes. Normally, this diagnosis comes around the age of 40 years but the condition is becoming increasingly found in children. Since approximately 1968, obesity of children has almost doubled and today, approximately 25% of children are considered to be obese. This obesity increase has been correlated to increase in diagnosis of Type-2 diabetes in both children and young adults.

Studies have proven that an increase in fat in the abdominal area is connected to glucose intolerance, and also to overeating and general obesity. A body mass index, known as BMI of over 40 has been connected to a higher chance of the development of diabetes. Most obese persons often have diets which are high in carbohydrates, sugars and starches and low in protein and fats which are considered good. The method in which these foods are digested is believed to be related to how the body processes sugar.

Just as obesity is preventable, Type-2 diabetes is also highly preventable. Even a mild loss of weight can lower the risk of Type-2 diabetes by approximately 5% to 10%. It is recommended that well balanced, healthy diets, together with moderate exercise regularly are the first steps in preventing obesity and diabetes. Levels of reduced stress can also be another method of preventing diabetes.

So, it seems that the evidence is abundant that obesity causes diabetes instead of diabetes causing obesity. In fact, diabetes which goes undiagnosed for quite some time can cause an unexplained weight loss.