Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which the body does not appropriately use insulin to convert glucose into energy, or does not produce enough insulin to utilize the glucose that is consumed in foods. When you suffer from diabetes, you may find it necessary to use medications or insulin injections to improve your health. Weight loss is one of the lifestyle choices that may improve health and reduce the need for medications. Overweight individuals may also suffer from symptoms similar to diabetes.
Obesity
Obesity is a growing problem today that is fueled by larger food portions, higher fat foods and reduced physical activity. In a study published in July 2009, researchers from Monash University found a critical link between obesity and the onset of type 2 diabetes. They discovered that fat cells release a protein which causes the muscles and liver to become desensitized to insulin. The pancreas produces even more insulin to counteract the effect and leads to overwork or fatigue of the pancreas. Insulin production slows or stops and type 2-diabetes develops.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease, a medical condition in which arterial supply to the lower limbs is compromised, is a factor in both diabetes and obesity, according to the American Diabetes Association and research led by A Planas, published in the "International Journal of Obesity". According to the American Diabetes Association, individuals with diabetes are more likely to have peripheral vascular disease, heart attack or stroke because of the vascular changes that occur with the alteration in metabolism of glucose. This risk factor can be reduced with tight glucose control. According to research published in the "International Journal of Obesity," abdominal fat distribution is associated with peripheral vascular blockage and is independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Metabolic Syndrome
This is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk that you will suffer from diabetes, heart disease and stroke. According to MayoClinic.com, the cluster includes increased blood pressure, elevated insulin, excess body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels. Just one of these conditions does not establish metabolic syndrome but does contribute to serious medical disease. A combination of symptoms will increase the risk significantly. According to MayoClinic.com, individuals with this syndrome can delay or prevent the development of serious medical conditions by making aggressive lifestyle changes that change those risk factors.
References
- Cell Metabolism; "Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Contributes to Insulin Resistance in Obesity"; Seamus Crowe; July 2009
- American Diabetes Association: Peripheral Arterial Disease
- International Journal of Obesity; "Relationship of Obesity Distribution and Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease in Elderly Men"; A Planas; July 2001
- MayoClinic.com: Metabolic Syndrome
