It is said that type Ⅱ diabetes changes the way the body handles glucose, which is another name for blood sugar. Unlike type Ⅰ, where the pancreas cannot produce insulin, Type Ⅱ is developed because of an issue of insulin not being produced by the body or being rendered unresponsive. Over time, untreated, elevated blood sugar can lead to some serious complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney issues, and more.
Although managing blood sugar is the main goal, maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial in controlling the condition and preventing its progression. Here’s a breakdown of what causes Type Ⅱ diabetes, how it is related to losing weight, phases, risk factors and how it can be prevented.
Causes of Type Ⅱ Diabetes
Causes of Type Ⅱ diabetes vary, but there are also some risk factors that can contribute to the disease’s development:
Genetics
Family history is a strong influence because certain genes influence the way your body manages insulin.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese raises the risk of insulin resistance, which means that your cells will become less responsive to insulin.
Metabolic Syndrome
In individuals who suffer from hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar, Type Ⅱ diabetes is likely to develop.
Liver Dysfunction
Generally, excess glucose is stored in the liver. However, some people’s livers fail to stop the release process when it’s no longer required. Therefore, an elevation of blood sugar develops.
Insulin Resistance in Cells
Over time, muscle, fat, and liver cells start ignoring the presence of insulin, and so glucose starts building up in the blood.
The Relationship between Weight and Type Ⅱ Diabetes
One major cause of insulin resistance is excess weight, especially around the abdomen. The body cannot effectively move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for energy because it has become resistant to insulin. This resistance causes the blood sugar level to rise, further complicating metabolic dysfunction.
The good news is that even modest weight loss significantly increases insulin sensitivity and helps the body manage blood sugar better. Studies have shown that a 5-Ⅰ0% weight loss lowers the risk of full-blown Type Ⅱ diabetes, especially among people who are prediabetic or genetically at risk.
Phases of Type Ⅱ Diabetes
Type Ⅱ diabetes goes through four phases:
- Insulin Resistance
The body makes insulin, but the cells do not react to it properly.
- Prediabetes
Elevated blood glucose levels don’t reach the high levels that mark Type Ⅱ diabetes. This is an important phase when lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, can stop the development of full-blown diabetes.
- Type Ⅱ Diabetes
Blood glucose levels are high above the normal range, and it becomes impossible for insulin to control the blood sugar levels.
- Vascular Complications
Damage to the vessels in the long run because of the high blood sugar level may lead to poor vision, impaired functioning of the kidneys, and also raise the chances of heart disease.
Risk Factors for Type Ⅱ Diabetes
Many factors enhance the risk of developing Type Ⅱ diabetes:
- Age
Any person above the age of 45 is at an increased risk.
- Obesity
This is one of the most important risk factors, especially in the form of abdominal fat.
- Family history
A family history of diabetes increases the chances of developing the disease.
- Gestational diabetes
Women who have had diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to develop Type Ⅱ diabetes later in life.
- Less of activity
Lack of exercise contributes to obesity and insulin resistance.
Weight Loss and Its Effect on Type Ⅱ Diabetes
Type Ⅱ diabetes has many major management strategies; weight loss is one of the most effective strategies. A little weight loss is often all it takes to sensitize the body to insulin so that it uses glucose as an energy source.
Reducing body fat can also lower the liver fat content, one of the most common causes of insulin resistance. In addition to this, lesser visceral fat deposited around the abdomen reduces the degree of inflammation present in the body, thereby aiding the function of insulin further.
How to Lose Weight in a Healthy Way with Type Ⅱ Diabetes
Losing weight safely with type Ⅱ diabetes requires an overall approach. That begins by eating good-quality foods every day. Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals. However, processed and sugar intake needs to be low as it can cause your blood sugar levels to shoot quickly.
Keeping track of your progress, including weight and blood sugar levels, helps you stay on course. Common drugs for type Ⅱ Diabetes include metformin or GLP-Ⅰ agonists for some.
Before taking any medication, you should always talk to your doctor. Rapid weight loss is gradual and manageable. Do not follow strict calorie limits because they can easily make your blood sugar levels unstable.
Complications of Type Ⅱ Diabetes
Type Ⅱ diabetes can cause severe complications if it is left untreated. The result of high blood sugar is that it damages blood vessels, making a person’s risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke much higher. Eventually, it causes damage to the kidneys and may lead to kidney failure.
Long-term elevated blood sugar damages small blood vessels in the eyes and can cause diabetic retinopathy and even loss of vision. Nerve damage, especially in the feet, causes numbness and poor circulation, which can lead to severe complications.
Can Type Ⅱ Diabetes Be Prevented?
Type Ⅱ diabetes is not always preventable, but following healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk:
- Reducing just 7 to Ⅰ0 percent of your body weight can substantially cut your chances of developing diabetes.
- Regular physical activity is another significant factor; consider at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats but keeping sugary and processed foods low will reduce your chances, too.
- Quitting smoking is also a must because smoking increases the risk of insulin resistance and Type Ⅱ diabetes.
These lifestyle changes will either prevent or delay the onset of Type Ⅱ diabetes and improve health conditions in general.
Ending Note
Managing Type 2 diabetes can be a tough journey, but with a focused approach, it’s definitely achievable. Remember, change takes time, losing weight gradually takes time and an external hand to help.
Consult a professional today and develop your very own personalized plan to start making significant improvements be shedding weight and ultimately controlling your type Ⅱ diabetes.