Link Between Diabetes And Overweight

There is little doubt that being overweight or obese is not good for the health of the body. Along with increased risk of heart disease and other vital organ failures people are thought to be more susceptible to acquiring diabetes. This is not completely accurate as there are 3 different types of diabetes that are acquired in different ways. Let's start by defining these types of diabetes to find out the link between diabetes and being overweight.
There are three types of diabetes. Type I, type II and gestational diabetes.
Type I diabetes is a result of the pancreas stopping production of insulin, the hormone used to reduce glucose in the blood. It is thought that this is an autoimmune reaction by the body whereby the body destroys the cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. Although it is not known why this occurs, research suggests that there is some genetic inheritance linked to type I diabetes. Acquiring type I diabetes is not linked to being overweight. Even so, a person with type I diabetes should stay fit and eat healthy food as being overweight or obese can increase the chances of further diabetic related complications such as neuropathy.
Type II diabetes is believed to be related to obesity or being overweight. Again, the exact reasons why this occurs are not known but anecdotal evidence suggests this is so. Nearly 90% of type II diabetics are overweight and the chances of acquiring type II are increased dramatically if a person is overweight or obese.
Type II diabetes develops from pre-diabetes or when the body become resistant to insulin. Insulin resistance is where the body does not use the insulin that it produces effectively enough to reduce blood sugar levels.
Glucose in the blood is effectively the fuel of the body. By supplying glucose to all the cells in the body via the bloodstream we ensure that the cells works together to keep the body functioning normally. Excess glucose is transformed to glycogen in the fat,muscle and liver cells by insulin. This is how insulin manages to reduce the blood sugar level.
It is believed that excessive fat cells make the job of insulin harder and gradually the more insulin is needed to reduce the glucose level. If this continues the body will go from insulin resistance to full blown type II diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a result of pregnancy. It is thought that hormone secreted during pregnancy affect the ability of insulin. Generally, this only lasts during pregnancy and the body goes back to normal after childbirth.
Thus people who are overweight are likely to develop type II diabetes. It is believed that by making changes in eating habits and exercising regularly can significantly reduce the chances of developing insulin resistance and type II diabetes. It is even possible to reverse type II diabetes, or reduce the need for medication, by changing your lifestyle to include more exercise and healthy eating.
Healthy eating and exercise are key to preventing type II diabetes. If you would like to learn more about diabetic food and get some tips on diabetic cooking then visit http://www.diabeticdietsplan.com
Adrian Whittle writes on issues related to diabetes including diabetic complications like diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic neuropathy.
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