Why Overweight Cause Diabetes?

Overweight

Overweight and obesity are significant risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes. The link between the two is multifaceted:

  • Insulin Resistance: When you carry excess weight, especially visceral fat (fat around the abdomen), it can lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance means that your body’s cells are less responsive to the effects of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, your pancreas needs to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check.
  • Inflammation: Adipose (fat) tissue, especially in excess amounts, releases inflammatory substances called cytokines. These cytokines can interfere with insulin signaling and contribute to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
  • Fat Deposition in Organs: Excess fat accumulation in organs like the liver and pancreas can interfere with their normal functions. In the pancreas, this can affect insulin production and secretion, further exacerbating insulin resistance and contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes.
  • Hormonal Imbalance: Fat cells, especially in the abdominal area, can disrupt the balance of hormones involved in glucose metabolism, such as adiponectin and leptin. This imbalance can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of diabetes.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Overweight and obesity often coincide with unhealthy lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of physical activity, which are also independently associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Overall, excess weight can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones and metabolic processes in the body, leading to insulin resistance and ultimately type 2 diabetes. However, it’s important to note that not everyone who is overweight or obese develops diabetes, and genetic factors also play a significant role in determining individual susceptibility to the disease.

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