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Obesity As a Risk Factor for Diabetes

Over one-third of American adults struggle with obesity, as well as nearly 15 percent of preschool-aged children and an average of 17 percent of children and teens aged six to19, per the CDC. Obesity has been established as a risk factor for various health conditions, including diabetes.

  1. Studies

    • A 2004 report published by the CDC reveals that nearly two-thirds of individuals who suffer from diabetes are also obese, indicating a cause and effect relationship.

    How Obesity Leads to Diabetes

    • Obesity can induce insulin resistance, which keeps the body from properly utilizing the hormone to absorb glucose. The pancreas is overwhelmed in trying to keep up with an increased demand for insulin as normal levels become insufficient, leading to high levels of glucose and insulin in the blood stream.

    Ethnicity Factors

    • According to the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), certain ethnic groups face a higher risk of developing obesity-related health conditions. African-Americans had a 51 percent higher chance of being obese and Hispanics were 21 percent more likely to be obese than whites.

    Pre-Diabetes

    • Pre-diabetes is a condition wherein blood glucose levels are abnormally high, yet not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Weight loss and a healthy diet may help reverse this condition or delay diabetes. Some long-term cardiovascular and circulatory damage can be caused by pre-diabetes.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Adopting a nutritious diet and healthy weight are the most effective way to prevent and treat diabetes.

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