Obesity is a major risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. In fact, it’s believed to account for 80-85% of the risk of developing the condition.
When you’re obese, your body can’t effectively use the hormone insulin to shuttle glucose into your cells to be used for energy. As a result, the glucose (sugar) remains in your bloodstream, leading to diabetes or at least prediabetes, which almost always develops into the full disease if not treated.
If you’re a woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 23-25, you have four times the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to those with a BMI less than 20. If you’re BMI is 24-25, you have five times the risk. The risk continues to rise with your BMI.
Dr. Sameer Ohri helps people in Riverside, California, manage diabetes through weight loss.
Risk factors for diabetes
Not all people with a high BMI develop Type 2 diabetes. Other factors that may influence your condition include:
- Genetics
- Lifestyle
- Ethnic heritage
If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you’re also more likely to develop the condition.
Obese people who store fat primarily in the abdomen, known as an apple-shaped body, are at an especially increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. A man with a waist circumference greater than 40 inches and women with a waist circumference greater than 35 inches are particularly vulnerable.
Having a lot of middle fat creates an inflammatory response in your body. The fat actually excretes chemicals that make your body less sensitive to the insulin produced by your pancreas. These inflammatory chemicals can also disrupt the function of insulin and your cells’ ability to respond to insulin.
Experts also believe that obesity triggers changes in your metabolism. Excess fat releases fat molecules into the blood, which may lead to insulin resistance, too.
Weight loss helps
Research shows that losing weight does decrease complications associated with Type 2 diabetes. And if you’re at risk of developing diabetes due to prediabetes or metabolic syndrome, weight loss can prevent progression to the full-blown disease and reduce your risk of heart disease, too.
We can help
Dr. Ohri provides support if you have diabetes or if you’re at risk due to your size. He can help you choose healthy foods and devise a quality eating plan as well as put together a plan for you to get more physically active.
If you are obese, we can also help you drop pounds and achieve a healthier size. Losing just 5-10% of your body weight reduces the risk of diabetes. Dr. Ohri helps you make permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits to support long-term good health.
If you do have diabetes, Dr. Ohri provides expert management with medications and lifestyle changes. With his management, you experience a reduced risk of complications, including nerve damage, heart disease, and foot problems.
If you have diabetes or are overweight and are at risk of diabetes, call Dr. Ohri’s office at 951-595-4588 or set up an appointment online for help today.