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Are All People with Type 2 Diabetes Also Obese?

The word “diabetes” is commonly associated with Obesity. Some people assume that diabetes is a side effect of being obese. But have you ever wondered if those claims are valid? Or, more specifically, are people with type 2 diabetes also obese? Let’s talk about it. 

Harvard researchers have determined that being overweight is one of the major risk factors in developing type 2 diabetes. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that only obese people are at risk. 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is an incurable chronic disease that has a direct effect on the food-to-energy cycle of the body. Having diabetes entails that your body is unable to create or utilize insulin properly. Insulin helps the body recognize its glucose levels and aids in taking in glucose from the blood. The lack of Insulin results in a surplus of glucose in the bloodstream, which is very dangerous for one’s health. This, in turn, causes, Kidney diseases, vision loss, and other diseases. (Source: CDC)

What Are the Different Types of Diabetes

There are four known types of diabetes; Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, and Prediabetes.

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes commonly affects children, teens, and young adults. This type of diabetes develops quickly. It is mainly caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops your body from creating insulin at all. To combat this, you will have to take insulin every day regularly. 

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is most common., t About 90-95% of people who have diabetes are under this type. The main difference between type 2 and type 1 is that the body can produce insulin but is insufficient for the body’s needs. This type of diabetes develops over time, with it notably affecting the adult population.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is only present in pregnant women who may have never had any history with diabetes. Having gestational diabetes puts your baby at a higher risk of health problems. Babies born with a mother who has been affected by this type have more chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Thankfully This type is known to go away after birth, putting most mothers at ease.

Pre-Diabetes

According to statistics based on the US population, 1 in 3 people is prediabetic. This type entails that there is a significantly higher ratio of sugar in your blood., But it is not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes yet. If pre-diabetes is not managed correctly, it may evolve into type 2 diabetes which is technically irreversible. (Source: CDC)

Are All People with Type 2 Diabetes Also Obese?

Although statistics and studies show many people who have diabetes are obese, not all diabetics are overweight. Some type 2 diabetes stems from genetics. A person who carries the diabetes gene would typically pass on the illness to their relatives. The diabetes gene is a significant contributing factor to developing type 2 diabetes in most patients. Even a small weight change, even only 6 or 7 gained pounds, can trigger the development of diabetes. (Source: CDC)

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