Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Nutritionist Heidi Kaufman explains the link between obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. As the body increases its fat content (especially around the abdomen), the cells in the body become less sensitive to the insulin that’s produced. This is a condition known as insulin resistance, which results from increased visceral fat also known as “belly” fat or intra-abdominal fat.
One of the most effective treatment methods for Type 2 Diabetes is weight loss. According to Ms. Kaufman, weight loss reduces the amount of visceral fat in the body, which brings it back to a state where it can more effectively process insulin. Insulin is what allows the cells to receive glucose for energy.
No Energy
With Type 2 Diabetes, the body thinks it has too little energy, because there is less glucose entering the cells. Kaufman says that when a person loses weight, their cells “perk up.” They begin burning more energy because of the weight loss, so the cells start working harder to process the glucose in the bloodstream.
In other words, the cells work harder to extract energy when you lose weight. Weight loss improves the overall condition of Type 2 Diabetes.
Bypass Surgery
Kaufman says gastric bypass surgery has been a particularly effective method of treatment. Within 2 months of the surgery, patients have lost up to 50 pounds. This dramatic weight loss technique has been shown to put diabetes symptoms in remission, including in patients who were already taking insulin or other oral medications.
Diabetes is best prevented and treated by losing weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle. For a great nutrition plan designed to help Diabetics and Pre-Diabetics lose weight, read my review of the Nutrisystem D Plan.
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