As we discuss prediabetes this month, it is important for us to first understand what diabetes (or diabetes mellitus, DM) is. “Diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose concentrations resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta-cells of the pancreas that is necessary for the use or storage of body fuels (carbohydrate, protein, and fat).” (Mahan & Raymond, 2017).
The sugars (glucose) we have in our bloodstream are the result of our body breaking down the food we consume, like carbohydrates. Take a look at our ‘Are Carbs Actually Bad For You?’ blog to briefly see how carbs can affect diabetes. The body’s natural reaction is to then use insulin to manage this increase in sugars. When that process is unable to occur, it leads to a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream and causes hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose). This can then lead to a variety of health problems.
There are usually two main reasons why that process can be interrupted: the body either produces insufficient amounts of insulin (Type 1 DM) or it is unable to efficiently use insulin (Type 2 DM). When it comes to prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Diabetes). There is currently no known way to prevent T1DM but with the appropriate lifestyle it can be managed. Meanwhile, T2DM can be prevented with the right measures and prediabetes can be reversed.
Now that we have this information in mind, let’s discuss the effects that obesity has on diabetes. As mentioned before, diabetes occurs when the beta cells of the pancreas fail to make insulin or insulin is unable to properly be absorbed and used by the body. “The development of diabetes becomes more inevitable if the failure of β-islet cells of the pancreas is accompanied by insulin resistance. Weight gain and body mass are central to the formation and rising incidence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.” (Algoblan et al., 2014)
Excess weight leads to excess fatty tissue which then stresses the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of the cells. The general function of the ER is to synthesize and transport proteins for the body. Prolonged ER stress contributes to inflammation and insulin resistance which, in turn, increases the risk of diabetes. “…obesity is known to be the main risk factor for a number of non-communicable diseases, in particular type 2 diabetes. This close relationship led to the connotation ‘diabesity’, highlighting the fact that the majority of individuals with diabetes are overweight or obese.” (Leitner et al., 2017).
This blog is just to provide some information on how obesity and diabetes are correlated. It is important to understand that there are other risk factors for diabetes, but obesity is a main factor. For more information on the basics of diabetes, you can visit this link on the CDC’s website, “What is Diabetes?” They also have a helpful list of risk factors for the different types of diabetes. If you ever have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak to your primary care doctor or a specialist. Check out the testimonials for Beth, Daphne, and Mark who experienced big improvements in their pre-diabetes or diabetes from working with Kay.
Algoblan, A., Alalfi, M., & Khan, M. (2014). Mechanism linking diabetes mellitus and obesity. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 587–591. https://doi.org/10.2147/dmso.s67400
Leitner, D. R., Frühbeck, G., Yumuk, V., Schindler, K., Micic, D., Woodward, E., & Toplak, H. (2017). Obesity and type 2 diabetes: Two diseases with a need for combined treatment strategies – EASO can lead the way. Obesity Facts, 10(5), 483–492. https://doi.org/10.1159/000480525
Mahan, L. K., & Raymond, J. L. (2017). Krause’s Food & the Nutrition Care Process (14th ed.). Elsevier.
Feature Photo by Tumisu on Pixabay
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Kay Loughrey, MPH, RDN, LDN
Transformational Speaker, Breakthrough Coach, Nutritionist-Dietitian
Blessing Bolomope, Student Intern
B.S. Nutrition & Food Science – Dietetics
University of Maryland, College Park | 2020