Can obesity cause type 2 diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

My cousin is very obese. She did some exercises but still could not see much of the results. The doctor said it could be because of diabetes. She tries her best to manage her blood sugar, but her glucose levels are always high. Could it be type 1 diabetes? We are now looking into some research on this to understand more. She just started glucose monitoring after the doctor suggested it. Can exercise really help to lower blood sugar? I am still confused about this and how to manage it. The doctor said weight is linked to diabetes and sugar control, but I am unsure how it works.

Kindly explain.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It sounds like your cousin is dealing with a challenging situation, balancing weight management and diabetes control. Obesity is closely linked to type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of diabetes, mainly when excess weight affects insulin sensitivity.

This means that her body's cells may not respond appropriately to insulin, making it harder for glucose (sugar) to enter the cells and be used for energy. As a result, her blood sugar levels stay high. While type 1 diabetes can occur, it is less common in adults and is typically caused by the body not producing insulin at all. However, people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can struggle with high blood sugar, and exercise plays a crucial role in managing this. Exercise is beneficial because it helps the muscles use glucose more efficiently, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. Even moderate exercise, like walking or strength training, can help reduce blood sugar spikes and improve overall glucose control.

It is important to note that regular physical activity also aids in weight management, which is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. Losing even a small amount of weight—about 5 to 10 percent of body weight—can improve blood sugar levels.

The doctor is right in linking weight to diabetes control. Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, can make it harder for insulin to work effectively. Weight loss can relieve some of this pressure, improve insulin function, and reduce medication need.

Along with exercise, a healthy diet and glucose monitoring will help your cousin manage her blood sugar levels and overall health. If she is still struggling, it may be worth discussing more personalized treatment options with her doctor.

I hope this is helpful.

Thank you.