What kind of diabetes is caused by obesity

In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not properly produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps move sugar into cells. The body becomes resistant to insulin if it is not properly producing or using it. This resistance causes high blood sugar levels. Excess weight can greatly affect your health in many ways, with type 2 diabetes being one of the most serious. When a person predisposed to diabetes has excess weight, the cells in the body become less sensitive to the insulin that is released from the pancreas.

This can end up causing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when the insulin ratio is higher than the blood sugar level. People affected by type 2 diabetes, who exercise, appear to reduce the severity of insulin-resistance. Exercised muscles are able to use the extra sugar found in the blood. Therefore, the body does not produce insulin and the sugar is no longer redirected to excess fat cells.

People affected by excess weight, especially obesity and severe obesity, are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes as a related condition of their excess weight. After we eat a meal, the processes of chewing and chemical digestion produce glucose sugar.

This is the most readily available form of fuel for our organs- especially muscle and brain tissue. In a normal state, the glucose produced from these digestive processes enters our cells to help with other metabolic processes.

The metabolic process is the making and breaking down of food. Insulin acts as a key that unlocks the door to let glucose in to feed our cells. When insulin is present, it also turns off the process of using glycogen from the liver. This ensures that the glucose levels do not rise further after a meal. Insulin reduces blood glucose by collecting any excess glucose that is present in the bloodstream so that it can be stored as glycogen for future use.

However, if not enough insulin is available, then this glucose is unable to enter cells. Instead, the glucose remains in the bloodstream in a higher than usual amount. This condition is referred to as elevated blood glucose or hyperglycemia. The more excess weight you have, the more resistant your muscle and tissue cells become to your own insulin hormone.

In addition to excess weight, there are many other facts that increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, such as:. This is true for kids and teens with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Weight and Type 1 Diabetes In diabetes, the body doesn't use glucose properly. Weight and Type 2 Diabetes In type 2 diabetes , the pancreas still makes insulin, but the insulin doesn't work in the body like it should and blood sugar levels get too high.

Page 1 The Importance of a Healthy Weight When kids with diabetes reach and maintain a healthy weight , they feel better and have more energy. What Else Should I Know? Here are some common problems to watch for and discuss with your doctor: Oversnacking. Some kids with diabetes eat too many snacks because they or their parents worry about hypoglycemia low blood sugar.

Keep track of the snacks in your home and how quickly they're eaten. If you have questions about healthy snacks, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. Also, talk with your child about the importance of following the diabetes meal plan. Sneaking snacks. Kids or teens may sneak extras of the candy or sweets they're supposed to eat in moderation, which can raise blood sugar levels. Parents may respond by giving the child higher doses of insulin. This cycle can lead to excessive weight gain.

Be sure your child understands why it's important to follow the meal plan, and ask questions if your child's blood sugar levels seem unexplainably high. Extreme dieting. Some kids with diabetes — especially teens — may try to lose weight with fad diets or other extreme measures. These aren't good for anyone, but they're especially unhealthy for people with diabetes because they throw blood sugar levels off track. Skipping insulin. Teens, in particular, sometimes skip insulin injections to lose weight.

Talk to your child about why this is a dangerous tactic — it can lead to very high blood sugar levels and even diabetic ketoacidosis.

Teens who do this may need counseling from a mental health professional to address an eating disorder or other body image or emotional problem. Many parents worry about low blood sugars and so are nervous about how much kids with diabetes should exercise. Untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can cause other health concerns like vision problems, nerve damage, infections, heart problems, high blood pressure, mental health issues, ketoacidosis, and stroke.

Since there is an association between type 2 diabetes and being overweight, treatment for type 2 diabetes often focuses on diet and exercise. Oral medications can also help the body use its own insulin more efficiently. In some cases, insulin injections are necessary to normalize blood sugars. Managing diabetes includes eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and, at the advice of your doctor, using medications.

While Type 2 diabetes can be treated, it is largely preventable. Interested in learning the optimal diet, exercise, and supplementation for diabetes? No waiting in line or uncomfortable swabs. July, 20 Health. What is Obesity? Start The Assessment. Inline Feedbacks. Share this article 1. Read more about Health July, 20 Health. Feel better. Look better. Live better. Vitagene proudly accepts:.

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