Obesity is one of the major leading cause of type 2 diabetes which is also known as non insulin dependent diabetes.
Diabetes is a health condition which dosen't have cure but can be manage. It is not a condition someone should have.
The truth is anyone can get obese and the obesity can lead to diabetes. Hence a knowledge of what makes one obese and how to aviod being obese will help prevent the ugly health condition of type 2 diabetes.
This article provides detail information on Obesity and Diabetes, what causes obesity, how obesity leads to diabetes, how the food we eat makes us obese, how to aviod getting obese, how manage obesity and diabetes.
What is Obesity
There are three major classes of food; Carbohydrate, Protein and Lipids or fat and oil and when digested their end product is glucose, amino acid and fatty acide and glycerol respectively. No matter the food will eat it either contains these three classes or any if the three.
One will eat food the food is digested in our gastrointestinal tract ( stomach and intestine) into glucose, amino acids and fatty acid and glycerol, these compounds are absorb from the intestinal into the blood stream.
The glucose is taken up by all cells and used for the production of energy, the excess glucose in blood is taken up by the liver and muscles cells, it is converted into glycogen and store in liver cells and muscles cells, in time of need or when the body need energy, it is converted back to glucose and use to produce energy.
Amino acid is taken up by cells of the body and is used to produced important protein, excess is converted into urea and excreted or converted to glucose for storage as glycogen.
Fatty Acid and Glycerol is taken up by liver cells and stored in liver cells and fat cells (adipocytes) as triacylglycerol. In time of starvation or fasting, triacylglycerol is converted back to fatty acid and glycerol to produce energy for the body.
In essence when one eats food the food is used to produced energy and the excess are stored and to be used during fasting or starvation.
In an obese individual, there is always food ( glucose, amino acid and fatty acid) the excess glucose and fatty acids and glycerol are always stored. The body does not go into a state of fasting or starvation, the stored glucose and fat are not used.
Definition of Obesity
Hence Obesity is a condition in which there is always glucose and lipid for the body for production of energy and there is always excess that is stored in the fat cells and liver. It is the excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body.
An obese individual has an excess of body fat.
Effects Of Obesity
Most People who are obese actually don't know the risk or heath problems attach to it, that's why most of them keep eating fatty food and add weight.
Now let me enlighten you, Obesity comes with a long list of health problems which will make you not have the best out of your life.
Health Problems Causes by Obesity
Obesity can results to several diseases and health problems here are some
1. Type 2 diabetes
2. Cardiovascular disease
3. Hypertension
4. Sleep apnea
5. Respiratory problems
6. Joint problems
7. Gallbladder disease
8. Certain cancers
9. Fatty liver disease
10. Mental health issues
11. Reproductive problems
12. Increased surgical risks
How does Obesity Leads To Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Obesity is also Know as Non Insulin dependent Diabetes.
Obesity oftens makes the body tissues to be resistant to the effect of a hormone called Insulin.
Before I continue with the explanation, you need to know what is obesity for you to understand fully.
What is Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar level or glucose level is high, and the body is unable to restore it to normalcy.
It is the hormone insulin that helps in lowering or reducing blood glucose (sugar) level. When the blood glucose level is high above normal the body secrets Insulin to reduce it to normal.
Insulin lowers the blood glucose level by acting on tissues, particularly liver and muscles tissues, It permits the entry of excess glucose into this tissues to be store as glycogen and hence the blood glucose is reduce to normal.
Similarly when the blood glucose level is low below normal, another hormone called Glucagon that do the opposite of Insulin is secreted; Glucagon increases the blood glucose level.
As I have said earlier, obesity often results to the body being resistant to the effect of insulin.
Blood glucose level is high after meal, this makes the pancrease to secret insulin to reduce blood glucose level by allowing the entry of glucose into cells and tissues for production of energy.
When the body is resistant to insulin, glucose can't enter into cells and there will be no glucose for the cells to produce energy.
This is called non Insulin dependent diabetes or type 2 diabetes. It is so called because the diabetes or high blood glucose level is not as a result of lack of insulin but on the cells that does not respond to insulin. The pancreas secret insulin but the cells does not respond to it.
How does obesity leads to Diabetes
In non insulin dependent diabetes there is enouh glucose in the blood but the cells and tissues have no glucose to produce energy, this makes the cells and tissues to look for other means to get glucose.
They achieve this by stimulating the pancrease to secret glucangon. Glucagon breaks down glycogen ( which is the storage form of glucose) into glucose and release it into the blood stream, this action increases the blood glucose level even more, but the glucose won't still be available for the cell to use, because the cell are not responding to the action of glucose.
Since there is no glucose available for the cells and tissues, the cells will have to switch to other compounds which can be used to produce energy, compounds like fatty acid and ketone bodies.
Effects of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can have a lot of adverse effects and harm to our body, ranging from the high blood glucose level than normal (hyperglycemia) to ketoacidosis.
Here are some common effects of type 2 diabetes:
1. Cardiovascular Complications: Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and narrowing of blood vessels (atherosclerosis). High blood sugar levels and other factors associated with diabetes can damage blood vessels, leading to poor circulation and increased risk of heart-related problems.
2. Neuropathy: Elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to the nerves, leading to peripheral neuropathy. This condition commonly affects the feet and legs, causing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness. Over time, it can also affect other areas of the body, such as the arms and hands.
3. Retinopathy: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, it can cause vision problems and even blindness.
4. Kidney Disease: Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can affect the kidneys and lead to diabetic nephropathy. It involves damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste products from the blood. Eventually, it can progress to chronic kidney disease and may require dialysis or kidney transplantation.
5. Peripheral Arterial Disease: Diabetes increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which affects blood vessels in the legs and feet. PAD can cause leg pain, slow wound healing, and increase the risk of infections and complications, such as ulcers and gangrene.
6. Increased Infection Risk: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making individuals with type 2 diabetes more susceptible to infections. Common infections include urinary tract infections, skin infections, and fungal infections.
7. Slow Wound Healing: Diabetes can impair the body's ability to heal wounds due to poor circulation and compromised immune function. This can lead to delayed wound healing, an increased risk of infections, and potential complications like foot ulcers.
8. Increased Risk of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat. These factors further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health complications.
It's important to note that the effects of type 2 diabetes can vary from person to person.
From the above explanation, you will see that obesity results to diabetes and other health problems. Diabetes own its own causes a lot of health problems for man. Below is a recap of the health problems cause by obesity
Health problems cause by obesity
1. Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat can interfere with the body's ability to use insulin properly, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
2. Cardiovascular disease: Obesity increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol levels, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
3. Hypertension: Obesity often leads to increased blood pressure. This can strain the heart and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
4. Sleep apnea: Obese individuals are more likely to develop sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can lead to daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
5. Respiratory problems: Obesity can cause respiratory difficulties, such as shortness of breath, asthma, and decreased lung function. Excess weight can also exacerbate existing respiratory conditions.
6. Joint problems: The excess weight carried by obese individuals puts extra strain on the joints, especially the knees and hips. This can lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain.
7. Gallbladder disease: Obesity increases the risk of gallstones and gallbladder disease. The presence of excess fat can disrupt the normal functioning of the gallbladder.
8. Certain cancers: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic, liver, and kidney cancers.
9. Fatty liver disease: Obesity can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver, causing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD can progress to more severe conditions, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis.
10. Mental health issues: Obesity can have a negative impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and body image issues.
11. Reproductive problems: Obesity can affect both male and female fertility. In women, it can lead to menstrual irregularities and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In men, obesity can contribute to decreased sperm quality and testosterone levels.
12. Increased surgical risks: Obesity increases the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia. It can make procedures more challenging and increase the likelihood of complications.
It's important to note that not everyone who is obese will develop all of these health problems, and individuals may experience a combination of these conditions to varying degrees.
What causes Obesity
causes of Obesity
To avoid being obese you need to have an understanding of what makes one obese. A knowledge of the causes of obesity will help you to avoid it. Several factors can causes obesity, the most important and common causes are listed below:
The factors causes obesity
The food will eat : Eating processed food or fast food a lot – these food are high in fat and sugar
Alcohol: Excessive intake of alcohol – alcohol contains a lot of calories
Eating out a lot – food cooked in a restaurant may be higher in fat and sugar.
Eating excess amount of food than you need
drinking too many sugary drinks – including soft drinks and fruit juice
Our food intake is the major determinant if we will get obese or not.
Food rich in carbohydrates or fat cause obesity and should be avioided or limited.
Lack of physical activity and Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity result as a result of consuming excess glucose and lipid and the stored lipid and glucose are not used.
One way we can make use of our stored lipid and glucose is through physical activities and exercise.
These days most people live a sedentary lifestyle, theyhave jobs that involve sitting at a desk for most of the day. They also make used of their cars, instead of walking or cycling.
Engaging in minimal or no exercise decreases calorie expenditure, making it easier to stored fat and glucose and get obese.
If you are not active enough, you do not use the energy provided by the food you eat, and the extra energy you consume is stored by the body as fat.
Genetics and family history: Genetic factors can influence an individual's susceptibility to obesity. Having obese parents or siblings increases the likelihood of obesity, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
How to prevent being obese or better how to stop getting obese
From the causes of obesity above, you will note that obesity is cause mainly by diet and lack of physical activities, hence to prevent getting obese or to stop being obese you have to do the opposite of the causes.
The following will help you not get obese or help you loose some fat
1. Balanced diet: Adopt a balanced and nutritious diet. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the consumption of processed and sugary foods, as well as high-calorie beverages. Pay attention to portion sizes and practice mindful eating.
2. Regular physical activity: Engage in regular physical activity to help burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, each week. Additionally, incorporate strength training exercises to build muscle and increase metabolism.
3. Portion control: Be mindful of portion sizes. Eat only the amount of food you need. Avoid oversized portions and practice portion control to ensure you are consuming appropriate amounts of food.
4. Limit sugary drinks: Reduce the intake of sugary drinks like soda, juice, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee or tea. These beverages are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain.
5. Drink plenty of water: Opt for water as your primary beverage. It hydrates the body without adding extra calories and can help control appetite.
6. Limit processed foods: Minimize the consumption of highly processed foods that are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. Instead, choose whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
7. Regular meal times: Establish regular meal times and avoid skipping meals. This can help regulate hunger, prevent excessive snacking, and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
8. Get adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Sufficient sleep helps regulate appetite hormones and supports overall well-being.
9. Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, as stress can lead to emotional eating or unhealthy coping mechanisms. Engage in activities like exercise, meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies that help you relax and unwind.
10. Seek support: If you are struggling with weight management, consider seeking support from healthcare professionals, registered dietitians, or support groups. They can provide guidance, personalized advice, and motivation.
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Remember, maintaining a healthy weight is a long-term commitment and requires consistency and lifestyle changes. It's important to focus on overall well-being and adopt healthy habits that are sustainable and enjoyable for you.
In summary obesity can lead to various health problems include type 2 diabetes.
Obesity is as a results of excessive accumulation of fats and this is due to consuming fats and sugary food witj little or no physical activities to burn up the stored fats and glycogen.
Managing obesity through lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, healthy eating habits, and regular physical activity, can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes and improve overall metabolic health.