If you're overweight, you have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a disorder in which your body doesn't produce insulin, or can't use it properly. If you already have type 2 diabetes and put on extra pounds, you may have more difficulty controlling your blood sugar.
Definition
Diabetes happens when your body fails to produce or can't process insulin, a hormone your pancreas makes. Insulin breaks down glucose, or blood sugar, and without enough insulin, you can develop high blood glucose levels. People with type 1 diabetes produce no insulin at all, while type 2 sufferers either produce too little insulin or can't process it. The American Diabetes Association estimates between 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2. Although manageable, diabetes is a serious health condition and can lead to several complications.
Risk Factors
If an immediate family member has diabetes, you stand a greater chance of developing this condition. Being overweight, says Familydoctor.org, is the greatest risk factor. Not all overweight people develop diabetes, however, and scientists suspect genetics play a determining role. If you're Native American, Hispanic, African-American or a Pacific Islander, you have a higher risk, and your chances of developing type 2 diabetes rise with age.
Reducing Your Risk
Maintaining a proper body mass index, a measure of obesity, is essential if you have diabetes or want to prevent it. Many insulin-resistant type 2 diabetics are overweight and don't work out. Lack of exercise and poor diet can lead to more weight, making their situation worse. Lifestyle modification reduces risk. Exercise and eating nutritious or smaller meals, for instance, can stop insulin resistance. An "Archives of Internal Medicine" report revealed that type 2 diabetics in an active diet and exercise program improved their health more than patients who received only education and support.
Considerations
Pursuing a healthy weight leads to many benefits, whether or not you have diabetes. If you have diabetes, weight management is just one of many interventions your physician may prescribe to manage your condition. While it's great to educate yourself about diabetes, consult your physician how to best prevent or manage this disease.
