The idea that obesity causes diabetes is technically inaccurate though the link between the two is a frequent topic of research. Obesity is the greatest risk factor in the development of non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes (adult on-set) however, not every individual that is over weight or obese will develop diabetes and vice versa. Rather, it seems the state of being obese weakens all the body’s systems leading to a myriad of disease and syndromes including diabetes.  The main causes behind obesity are lifestyle choices. Individuals, who have diets high in processed or fast food, low fruits, vegetable, and whole grains, consume large amounts of alcohol, eat out frequently, eat large portions, and eat in response to emotion rather than hunger are likely to become over weight, and without changes, obese. For this reason childhood obesity is becoming more prevalent as children learn unhealthy habits from family members. Genes can …

It has long been known that obesity is related to the development of type 2 diabetes. Why obesity causes diabetes is a question researchers are attempting to answer on the cellular level. It has been proven that upper-body obesity correlates strongly with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Upper-body fat can accumulate in visceral fat or subcutaneous fat, releasing nonesterified fatty acids from adipose tissue (fat) contributing to the accumulation of lipids in other tissues in the body. Adipose tissue in obese people is insulin resistant worsening insulin resistance in muscle and altering hepatic metabolism. Insulin resistance paired with pancreatic beta-cell malfunction results in a failure to regulate blood glucose levels.

Why Obesity Causes Diabetes – Inflammation

The immune and metabolic systems have evolved together, with their functions closely related. Energy is needed to fight infection and many of the same cellular mechanisms function for both systems. Thus, metabolic …