At your last check-up, you may have heard the terms, "insulin resistance," "pre-diabetes" or even "type 2 diabetes." Your doctor may have recommended that you lose some weight to decrease your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. You may be wondering about the relationship between excess weight and diabetes.
Relationship of Being Overweight and Diabetes
Both adults and children who are overweight have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes because they are unable to control their blood sugar levels. Those who carry their excess weight around the middle tend to be at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, 85 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are also overweight, establishing a definite link between the two conditions. Those with type 2 diabetes are also at increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and blindness.
Pre-Diabetes
Your doctor may have told you that you have "pre-diabetes." This is a condition that results in blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to classify you as having diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, your risk for developing type 2 diabetes is greater than someone who has normal blood sugar levels. At your next doctor's check up, your blood sugar levels will most likely be tested as part of your blood work. If you are overweight or over the age of 45, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends that you get tested for pre-diabetes every three years. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, it is important to get tested every year to two years.
Determining Whether You Are Overweight
The body mass index, or BMI, is a well-accepted tool to help you determine if you are overweight. The NIDDK provides an easy-to-use table that will help you calculate your BMI by using your height and weight. A link is in the Resources section. If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, you are at an ideal weight. If your BMI falls within the range of 25 and 29.9, you are considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or higher puts you into the obese category. Those who are overweight and obese have a higher risk of developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Losing Excess Weight
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, a healthy diet, in combination with regular exercise, is the best way to lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight permanently. According to the "Journal of the American Medical Association," losing excess weight not only reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but can also help you bring your blood sugar under control if you already have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Losing even 5 percent to 10 percent of your weight can help to prevent, delay and even reverse pre-diabetes. Eat a low-fat, low-sugar diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean sources of protein and exercise at least 30 minutes per day for effective weight loss.
Member Comments