The idea that obesity causes diabetes is technically inaccurate though the link between the two is a frequent topic of research. Obesity is the greatest risk factor in the development of non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes (adult on-set) however, not every individual that is over weight or obese will develop diabetes and vice versa. Rather, it seems the state of being obese weakens all the body’s systems leading to a myriad of disease and syndromes including diabetes. The main causes behind obesity are lifestyle choices. Individuals, who have diets high in processed or fast food, low fruits, vegetable, and whole grains, consume large amounts of alcohol, eat out frequently, eat large portions, and eat in response to emotion rather than hunger are likely to become over weight, and without changes, obese. For this reason childhood obesity is becoming more prevalent as children learn unhealthy habits from family members. Genes can also play a part as metabolic rate and the number of fat cells may be inherited. Still, genes alone are rarely the cause of obesity. Lack of physical activity also contributes greatly to obesity. A minimum of 150 minutes per week is recommended to stay healthy. The loss of 10-15% of percent of body weight is encouraged to prevent the onset of diabetes.
How Obesity Causes Diabetes
Obesity is also associated with insulin resistance syndrome, which can lead to diabetes. Insulin is required by fat and muscle cells for the uptake of glucose. Insulin-resistance in cells, particularly fat cells, leaves an elevated amount of glucose in the blood. Unlike fat and muscle cells, vascular and nerve cells do not need insulin to absorb glucose and instead have receptors. The increased amount of blood glucose in the blood causes the pancreas to create more insulin, which is yielded ineffective, leading to hyperinsulimia. The combination of hyperinsulimia and high blood glucose levels leads to diabetes. Furthermore, molecular studies have been conducted to examine the overall systemic state obesity puts the body into and how these changes may result in diabetes.
Why Diabetes Causes Diabetes
The question of why obesity causes diabetes is explored in Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America by Francine R. Kaufman, M.D.. Using clinical examples from her clinic, Dr. Kaufman use case studies and science to explain how the two diseases are linked and what can be done to prevent and treat them. Director of the Comprehensive Diabetes Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dr. Kaufman’s focuses specifically on education, community involvement, and access in her campaign to reduce the incidence of obesity and diabetes in children and youth.
