Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
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Obesity in general terms is an excessive accumulation of fat in the body, leading to excess weight.
The following factors can contribute to the occurrence of obesity: a sedentary lifestyle, the consumption of unhealthy food, heredity, past illnesses or taking certain medications, conditions associated with emotional factors, an incorrect lifestyle (for example, lack of sleep), age, etc.
Unfortunately, many facts concerning obesity are not encouraging:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 2.8 million people die each year due to excess weight or obesity.
- WHO estimates that more than 1 in 4 (28.1%) adults in the UK are obese (body mass index 30 or more).
- The UK has the highest adult obesity rate in Europe.
- Studies concerning obesity prevention have shown that removing the privilege of watching TV for a week decreases the size of children's waists by an average of 2-3 cm.
As we wrote in a previous article, there are a large number of factors that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including age, race, pregnancy, genetic predisposition, etc. However, one of the most serious factors is being excess weight or obesity. Studies show that obese people are 80 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-obese people. Also, according to other studies, almost 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Obesity increases the level of fatty acids and inflammatory processes that lead to insulin resistance, and this, in turn, can provoke the occurrence of type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of diabetes, observed in about 90% of all patients suffering from diabetes.
Patients with high blood sugar levels usually experience frequent urination, increased thirst and constant hunger, fatigue, etc. Untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can cause other (serious) health problems, such as damage to the eyes and nerves, an increase in infections, cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, mental health problems, etc.
Since there is a clear link between type 2 diabetes and being overweight, the treatment for this disease focuses on diet and exercise. In some cases, drugs are more effective than insulin to normalize blood sugar levels.
Living with obesity and type 2 diabetes is associated with certain risks; patients should do everything possible to take proper care of their health; simple actions which have a positive impact include:
- eating healthy food,
- taking regular exercise,
- avoiding stressful situations and taking care of one's mental health,
- Following all of the doctor's recommendations and take prescribed medication if necessary.
Under certain conditions with particular patients, type 2 diabetes can be cured, and in most cases, this disease can be prevented. Patients need to make permanent changes to their lifestyles, monitor their body weight closely, and lose weight if necessary. A little weight loss can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 40-60%.
Research by Dr. Taylor (source) and other doctors suggests that lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise, may have a greater impact on combatting diabetes than experts had previously suggested.
Patients suffering from obesity and diabetes are recommended to limit the consumption of certain food items such as white bread, rice, pasta, potatoes (including sweet potatoes), and peas. Complex carbohydrates tend to raise blood sugar levels more than other foods and cause the body to produce more insulin. A more detailed list of problematic foods can be provided by one's doctor.
As for physical activity, patients should set a goal of 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise five times a week. For physical exercise to have a positive impact, one should regularly exercise throughout the week; Gradually increasing physical activity will mean more energy spent, which will help to reduce body weight.
With significant obesity, patients are advised to consider bariatric surgery, one of the treatments offered to patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients with the guidance of their physicians should consider the risks associated with bariatric surgery and compare them with the risks inherent in obesity and its associated problems. When other methods of weight loss have not produced the desired results, bariatric surgery may be the best solution to achieve significant and sustained weight loss.
Today, clinics in Turkey offer some of the most advanced treatments for obesity. Some methods are used exclusively in Turkish clinics and have proven very effective, helping patients from all over the world to achieve sustainable weight loss.
The proposed techniques and methods of treatment are minimally invasive and do not require a long stay in a clinic. By combining bariatric surgery with lifestyle changes including increased physical activity, patients achieve outstanding results and can start new and fulfilling lives. If you need information tailored to your situation, please contact us and we will answer any questions you may have.
FAQ
How is obesity associated with type 2 diabetes?
Almost 90% of patients with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Obesity increases the level of fatty acids and exacerbates inflammatory processes, which can lead to diabetes.
Is it possible to cure diabetes by losing weight?
At the moment, the cure for diabetes depends on many variables. Studies show that some patients can successfully achieve remission of the disease by changing their diet and habits, losing weight, and by maintaining normal blood sugar levels without medication. Any improvements will not constitute a full recovery, since diabetes is a chronic disease.
How much weight do I need to lose for my diabetes to go into remission?
The more, the better! According to results from studies involving two groups consisting of 149 patients, 49% achieved remission of the disease after they'd lost weight (source). Based on these successes, Dr. Taylor encourages other doctors to resist the instinct to immediately prescribe diabetes medication; he strongly emphasized that weight loss should be the priority as the first step for patients who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The sooner the better, " he says. According to Taylor, the ideal treatment is to immediately implement drastic weight loss steps.
According to the UK National Health Service (source), a 5% reduction in body weight followed by regular moderate-intense exercise can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 50%.
We must not forget that remission in diabetes means normalization of blood sugar levels. Although some experts may call it a "cure", diabetes is a chronic disease that resumes if patients subsequently gain weight or return to unhealthy eating habits.
Is it harder to lose weight with type 2 diabetes?
With type 2 diabetes, it may be more difficult to lose weight, as weight gain is connected to insulin resistance.