Type 2 diabetes and obesity are related. Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes, is not usually connected with obesity; it most often develops in childhood. However, there are an increasing number of younger people who get type 2 diabetes; childhood obesity is thought to be among the highest risk factors for it. Traditionally, only obese adults over 45 were at the highest risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Whereas type 1 diabetics can't produce insulin, people with type 2 diabetes are either resistant to the blood sugar-lowering hormone or the body produces doesn't produce enough of it to store sugar properly.
Since insulin stores sugar in the body, losing weight may be difficult for diabetics who take injections of it. Diabetes and obesity aren't only related in terms of risk factors, but many type 2 diabetics who must take insulin gain weight. While most diabetics are able to manage medication doses and insulin injections, balancing the proper amounts, as well as the kinds, of foods is difficult for about 80% of them.
Physical inactivity and diabetes are especially connected in type 2 diabetics taking insulin. Inactivity can result in even more weight gain, which could lead to obesity. A proper diet and exercise plan may limit or prevent weight gain and obesity when taking insulin. The connection between diabetes and obesity can be confusing to understand since one of the main symptoms of the disease is weight loss.
Unintentional weight loss in diabetics may be caused by either very high blood sugar levels or dehydration. Frequent urination, caused by the increased thirst that often accompanies diabetes, can lead to dehydration. If blood sugar is too high, it may cause muscles to break down, which can initiate an unhealthy weight loss.
Maintaining a healthy weight is often extremely challenging for diabetics who are having difficulty balancing their blood sugar. If oral medication and insulin injections are no longer working, diabetics may have to eat more or less food, which can cause changes in weight. Overweight diabetics may become obese if they increase their food intake too much over a period of time. Diabetes and obesity isn't a good combination, as more medication may be needed to control blood sugar levels.
Weight gain over the recommended amount during pregnancy definitely relates to diabetes and obesity. Overweight women who become pregnant and gain too much weight have the highest risk of developing gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy, but having it places a higher risk factor for developing the type 2 version of the disease later.
