Understand how obesity leads to diabetes with expert insights from Meri Sehat. Explore the mechanisms and manage your health effectively.

Obesity is characterized as a condition involving persistent low-grade inflammation, contributing to the development of various metabolic diseases.

From Pounds To Pancreas – What’s The Mechanism Behind Obesity-Induced Diabetes?

Introduction

<p>Millions of people worldwide are affected by sedentary lifestyles and fast-food trends. For instance UK, has the highest level of <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/obesity">obesity</a> in Europe, with nearly 63.4% of its population being overweight and 28.1% obese.<sup><a href="#accordion">[3]</a></sup></p>

<p>The issue, however, is bigger than bulging waistlines &ndash; Diabetes.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

Understanding how obesity triggers diabetes

<p>A BMI reading higher than 35 is classified as morbid obesity. And diabetes is one of its complications. 80-90% of adults with type 2 diabetes are also obese or overweight.<sup><a href="#accordion">[2]</a></sup></p>

<p>How does obesity cause type 2 diabetes and become life-threatening? Let&#39;s break it down:<sup><a href="#accordion">[1]</a></sup><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Insulin Resistance</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Your pancreas produces a hormone, insulin, to regulate the sugar levels in your blood. Insulin helps your body cells take up glucose for energy while lowering the level of sugar in the blood.</p>

<p>If you&rsquo;re obese, the excess fat will affect your body&rsquo;s ability to use insulin effectively. This is called insulin resistance, i.e., the cells do not respond to insulin and, as a result, there is too much sugar in your blood.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Inflammation</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>&nbsp;Inflammation affects the functioning of your cells and tissues, which disrupts glucose metabolism. Long-term inflammation can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Adipose Tissue Dysfunction</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>The fat tissue, or adipose tissue, helps your body regulate your metabolism and energy balance. Obesity forces it to release more amounts of fatty acids and other inflammatory substances into the bloodstream, impairing insulin sensitivity.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Hormonal Imbalance</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Excessive weight gain can affect the balance of hormones that are involved in the regulation of appetite, insulin sensitivity, and metabolism. For instance, obesity may increase leptin levels and decrease adiponectin levels.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><strong>Lifestyle</strong></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>Lack of physical activity and poor dietary choices are often linked to weight gain and insulin resistance.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

Conclusion

<p>Obesity is not the sole cause of diabetes, but it significantly increases the risk, especially when combined with other genetic and environmental factors. Losing weight, even as little as 10-15 pounds, can make a big difference.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Obesity is more than a cosmetic concern.</li>
	<li>It contributes to the development of diabetes.</li>
	<li>Excess fat tissue in the body, especially around the abdomen, can lead to insulin resistance. When the body&#39;s cells become less responsive to insulin, it makes it harder for glucose to enter cells and be used for energy.</li>
	<li>Obesity is considered as a chronic low-grade inflammation that interferes with the normal functioning of cells and tissues involved in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism.</li>
	<li>Further, it disrupts the balance of hormones involved in appetite regulation, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of diabetes.</li>
	<li>Unhealthy lifestyle habits associated with obesity, such as poor dietary choices and sedentary behavior, directly contribute to weight gain and type 2 diabetes.</li>
	<li>Managing obesity can help prevent or manage diabetes and improve overall health.</li>
</ul>

[1] Klein S, Gastaldelli A, Yki-Järvinen H, Scherer PE. Why does obesity cause diabetes?. Cell Metab. 2022;34(1):11-20. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2021.12.012

[2] Nianogo RA, Arah OA. Forecasting obesity and type 2 diabetes incidence and burden: The Vila-obesity simulation model. Frontiers. March 1, 2022. Accessed February 12, 2024.

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