Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity are diseases that can have a serious impact on a patient’s quality of life. These conditions are linked closely that a new term has been put forward to describe cases where diabetes is caused by obesity, “diabesity.” 6.3% of the american population, nearly 18.2 million, live with diabetes, and it ranks as the sixth cause of death as of 2000, and that number has continued to grow. In addition to the cost in lives, diabetes has health related costs of $122.9 billion a year.
Diabetes: The Biology of America’s Specter
Type 2 diabetes accounts for up to 95% of all the reported cases of diabetes in the US. It begins with the body developing a resistance to insulin, causing the body not to make proper use of available insulin. This puts extra stress on the pancreas as it attempts to meet the greater demand, which leads it to essentially burn out.
What Are The Risks Of Type 2 Diabetes
Some of the factors that cause Type 2 diabetes are within the control of the patient, but there are other elements that aren’t. Genetics can be one of the causes or can make a person much more susceptible to this disease. Patients who have a history of diabetes in their families are up to 10x more likely to develop the condition themselves. Thankfully, the increased risk can be mitigated with diet and exercise. In some circumstances, a healthy diet and sufficient exercise can reduce or even eliminate their risk of Type 2 diabetes.
How Does Obesity Contribute To Type 2 Diabetes
The underlying causes are not well known, but the connection between obesity and inactivity are well established. The greater the level of obesity in the patient, the higher their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The distribution of the fat on the body can also increase the risk, with those having an “apple” shape showing higher occurrences of diabetes than those with a “pear” shaped physique. Losing weight can make an incredible difference in your risks, and can even reverse the disease entirely.
If you’re having trouble with weight loss or a personal or family history of type 2 diabetes, it’s time to give Physicians Premiere Weight & Wellness Center a call at 703-783-5673. We look forward to seeing you at our 25055 Riding Plz Suite #230 location and welcoming you into our patient family! Call today and start your journey to great health and successful weight loss!