Diabesity: Don’t Be A Statistic

 (BlackDoctor.org) — Obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes have reached epidemic proportions. There’s not a person reading this article who isn’t affected by these conditions, either directly or indirectly.

Yet as common as these conditions are, few people understand how closely they’re related to one another.

By 2030, one in two Americans could have diabetes or prediabetes (borderline diabetes) and 50% of Americans could be overweight or obese. These staggering predictions could be the unhealthy reality for many of us if we don’t take action, according to two reports released last year.

This epidemic of diabetes and obesity occurring together is being called “diabesity.” Obesity is considered a risk factor for diabetes because it makes cells less able to use insulin to bring sugar in from the bloodstream (what’s known as insulin resistance—the first step toward diabetes). What’s equally fascinating is the fact that some experts think insulin resistance may also lead to weight gain. That’s right—when you’re already insulin resistant (that is, diabetic or prediabetic), then it can be even harder to lose weight.

It sounds grim, but there’s good news. Lifestyle choices that we make every day can lower our risk for diabesity, aid weight loss and help slow the progression of diabetes. Follow these tips for a healthy lifestyle:

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