Obesity can greatly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as it often leads to insulin resistance—where the body must produce more insulin to meet the metabolic demands of a high fat mass. In predisposed individuals, obesity leads to type 2 diabetes when the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. If left unchecked, this condition can result in serious health issues.
However, for those at risk, especially individuals dealing with obesity, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Making lifestyle changes like adopting a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise can make a big difference, and in some cases, bariatric surgery might be a helpful option.
Connection Between Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity is considered the number one risk factor in the development of insulin resistance.
Someone’s risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes increases with the degree of obesity and its duration. Obesity increases the accumulation of fatty tissues, particularly around vital organs like the liver and pancreas. This excess fat disrupts normal metabolic processes, leading to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin and require higher insulin levels to metabolize sugar.
If the pancreas is unable to produce higher levels of insulin to meet the metabolic demands of insulin resistance, the body’s ability to absorb glucose into cells is weakened, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Over time, this ongoing rise in blood sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle Habits that Help Lower Obesity and Diabetes Risk
Managing obesity through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Adults can decrease their risk for these conditions with:
- Healthy eating habits, focusing on balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
- Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight through portion control and mindful eating practices.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels and staying informed about personal diabetes risk factors.
Is Bariatric Surgery an Option?
Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure that promotes weight loss. It can include any one of several procedures that make the stomach smaller so that the patient feels satisfied with less food and fewer calories. Bariatric surgery is for people with a BMI of 40 or greater, or those with a BMI of greater than 35 and co-morbid conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or sleep apnea.
For qualified patients struggling with severe obesity and related health issues like type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery can offer benefits including:
- Resolution of diabetes: The majority of patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery experience complete resolution of diabetes symptoms due to reduced insulin resistance.
- Effectiveness across procedures: Procedures such as gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy also show promising results in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing metabolic syndrome risks, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Scientific validation: Extensive studies, including a notable report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, affirm that bariatric surgery is highly effective, with a substantial percentage of patients (between 77 percent and 86 percent) achieving diabetes remission or improvement.
What to Expect from Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric procedures work by reducing stomach size, limiting food intake and sometimes altering nutrient absorption. This approach, coupled with lifestyle changes, can lead to easier long-term weight management and improved overall health.
Patients can expect significant and sustained weight loss, up to 60-80 percent of excess body weight, within the first year after surgery. Bariatric surgery requires a commitment to lifelong dietary changes, regular medical follow-ups, and adherence to recommended exercise habits to help ensure long-term success and health benefits.
Stony Brook’s Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center is dedicated to working closely with each patient, offering comprehensive support throughout their weight loss journey. Our tailored treatment strategies include minimally invasive (laparoscopic) weight loss surgery, medical management, dietary counseling, exercise regimens and psychological support.
For more insights on managing and potentially reversing diabetes, explore resources provided by the Stony Brook Diabetes Center. As a leading provider of diabetes care in Suffolk County, Stony Brook Medicine continually enhances access to education and develops innovative strategies for diabetes prevention and management.
