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The Connection Between Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Posted at 8:58 AM, Jan 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-14 12:15:29-05

The prevalence of obesity in the United States is steadily increasing, and the rate at which Americans are developing health problems related to excess weight is also on the rise. Approximately one-third of the U.S. population is obese and two-thirds of the population is overweight.

Type 2 diabetes is a disease often linked to obesity and can be a great cause for concern if left untreated. While some people with type 2 diabetes can gain control of this disease through lifestyle changes, others may need additional medical assistance.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects the way insulin is produced and used to control blood sugar levels. Over time, the body loses its ability to produce enough insulin to maintain a normal, healthy level, which can eventually lead to heart disease, kidney disease, nerve and small blood vessel damage, and stroke.

Common Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

  • Increased thirst and hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained changes in weight
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent urination
  • Slow healing wounds
  • Nausea
  • Skin infection or patches of darker skin
  • Irritability
  • Reduced feeling in hands or feet

What are treatment options for Type 2 diabetes? 

  • Healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Blood sugar monitoring
  • Reduced stress
  • Diabetes medication
  • Insulin therapy
  • Bariatric surgery