The Link between Obesity and Diabetes

There are two kinds of diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.  The first type is also
known as juvenile diabetes and is usually diagnosed in childhood.  It is the body’s cells
and the pancreas’ inability to produce enough insulin.  In type 2 diabetes there is not
enough insulin produced for the body or the body is not making proper use of the insulin
that is available.


Many studies and doctors have linked an increasing number of people being diagnosed
with diabetes to obesity.  When a person is obese or very over weight they are overtaxing
their pancreas (the organ that produces insulin) and this can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Being obese is a risk factor for diabetes but it does not mean you will develop the disease
if you are obese.  By losing weight and leading a healthier lifestyle you can gain control
of this risk factor either by reducing it or eliminating it altogether.

There are other risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes including age and race but of
course there is no control over these factors.  Studies have shown that over half of the
people diagnosed with diabetes are considered clinically obese.  People who are obese
and work hard to lose weight can better manage their diabetes through diet or oral
medications instead of insulin injections.  Incorporating a healthy eating plan and regular
physical activity will also help to manage the disease.

In addition to being at a higher risk for developing diabetes people who are obese are at
an increased risk for other life-threatening diseases too.  Namely heart and cardiovascular
diseases, it is in an individual’s best interest to maintain a healthy weight for their body
type and health in order to reduce the risks to their health.  Medical support is available
through your health care provider if needed.