The worldwide health epidemic of obesity has far-reaching effects on both people and healthcare systems. India has seen a steady rise in obesity over the past few decades, which has increased the country’s burden of chronic ailments like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Type 2 diabetes leads to an increase in blood sugar levels, and it is known as adult-onset diabetes.
Over a million people are affected by type 2 diabetes. It can lead to major health problems if you are not treating it properly. Type 2 diabetes mellitus can be managed by controlling the blood sugar level. Lifestyle adjustments like a balanced diet, stress management, frequent exercise, and a few medications can help you achieve this. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity have a complicated and diverse interaction in which there is a reciprocal influence between the two conditions.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: How are they connected?
Diabetes and obesity have a mutual link, which means that obesity can both fasten the onset of diabetes and elevate its symptoms. If a person is being obese, it increases inflammation and alters their glucose metabolism, which can lead to insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is a condition in which your body’s cells become less sensitive to the effects of insulin and is closely linked to both obesity and type 2 diabetes. Your obese condition affects insulin resistance by releasing inflammatory cytokines and fatty acids from excess adipose tissue. This causes a new onset or sometimes elevates the progression of existing diabetes.
Adipose tissue produces hormones called adipokines, and any imbalance of these hormones can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Obese people will have difficulties producing their adipokines that can cause inflammation of their fatty tissue.
In obesity-related insulin resistance, the production and secretion of insulin by pancreatic beta cells are strained more. This can cause people to produce less insulin than normal and cause defects in the function of beta cells that can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity:
Medication management:
Doctors prescribe a bunch of drugs to manage your condition that will help in the reduction of weight and diabetes management. They can give metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT-2 inhibitors based on your body mass index and glycemic control.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective and well-known for treating type 2 diabetes and management of overweight. These medications help people who are obese and have diabetes lose weight while also improving blood sugar management, which is essential for avoiding complications from diabetes. People who are obese may benefit the most from this impact since it might encourage them to adopt healthy eating habits.
Rybelsus 7 mg tablets contain the active compound semaglutide, which improves glycemic control and reduces HbA1c levels. Additionally, this medication promotes weight loss through increased satiety, decreased food intake, and modulation of gastric function.
Follow a Healthy Meal Plan:
Eat foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Limit refined carbohydrates, sugary foods, and excessive intake of saturated and trans fats.
Limit your intake by carefully keeping an eye on portion sizes and number of meals. This helps regulate blood sugar levels and weight management.
Lifestyle modifications:
Walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling regularly helps improve the condition.
Engage for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels, and helps lose unhealthy weight.
Conclusion:
Diabetes and obesity are chronic conditions that are widely prevalent; however, following the strategic approaches, including diet and lifestyle modifications along with medication therapy, ensures the effective management of the disease and improves overall well-being. Remember, management of these conditions is a lifelong process. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and proactive measures, you can lead a life with minimized risk of complications.