Eating Disorders Blog

Obesity, morbid obesity and Type 2 diabetes continue to rise in the United States, according to a study published last week in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications. The study, conducted by researchers at Loyola University Medical Center in Illinois, included data from the National Health and Examination Surveys from 1976 through 2006.

Researchers found that among adults with Type 2 diabetes, body mass index (BMI) increased by 17 percent, and among non-diabetics BMI increased by 11.5 percent. Interestingly, the increase in total obesity among adults was much higher among non-diabetics than diabetics.

Total obesity among adult diabetics increased by 58 percent compared to 136 percent among non-diabetics; morbid obesity rose by 141 percent among diabetics and 345 percent among non-diabetics. The study also found that one in five adults with Type 2 diabetes is morbidly obese, and one in three adult African-Americans with Type 2 diabetes is morbidly obese.

The authors commented on the study results: "The rapid rise of obesity among adults with Type 2 diabetes has important implications for the future health of this population. Although cardiovascular risk among adults with Type 2 diabetes remains high, obesity itself heightens risk of cardiovascular mortality, especially among women."

(Source: latimes.latimes.com)

Labels: obesity, type 2 diabetes

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Medical experts have known for some time that obesity is a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes; however, a new study may have identified the specific link between the two conditions.

Scientists from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, have identified a protein released by fat cells that desensitizes the liver and muscles to insulin. In large amounts, the protein, called PEDF (pigment epithelium-derived factor), forces the pancreas to produce insulin to help neutralize the desensitization. Eventually, the overworked pancreas begins to slow down significantly or even stop producing insulin altogether. When this happens, the individual develops type 2 diabetes.

People who are obese have significantly more fat cells than people of average weight and so produce a much larger amount of PEDF. This increased PEDF production is what eventually leads to type 2 diabetes. Researchers hope that the discovery of a chemical link between obesity and type 2 diabetes will aid experts in developing treatments for type 2 diabetes.

(Source: diabeteshealth.com)

Labels: obesity, type 2 diabetes, diabetes

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments