How does overweight and obesity affect blood sugar?

Overweight and obesity occur when the body accumulates too much fat, body mass index (BMI) is 25 kg/m2 or more, waist circumference is over 80 cm for women and over 90 cm for men. Obesity increases the risk of many diseases such as osteoarthritis, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Doctor II Tran Thuy Ngan, Center for Weight Control and Obesity Treatment, Tam Anh General Hospital, said weight gain contributes to blood sugar disorders mainly through insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating the amount of glucose in the blood.

Dr. Ngan explained that in overweight people, especially those with large bellies, fat cells release inflammatory chemicals that reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin, making it difficult for glucose to enter the cells. At this time, the pancreas is forced to produce more insulin, leading to overwork, reducing the ability to produce insulin and control blood sugar levels. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not use insulin effectively, energy is not transported to feed cells, increasing blood sugar and gradually forming type 2 diabetes. Obese patients are at risk. type 2 diabetes is higher than people with moderate body weight.

Basic tests to early identify diabetes include fasting blood sugar test, measuring HbA1C index (assessing average blood sugar over 2-3 months), glucose tolerance test, blood sugar test. random blood…

Treatment methods for diabetes in overweight and obese people include using drugs that fight insulin resistance and losing weight to control blood sugar. Weight loss reduces fat cells, prevents insulin resistance, and metabolizes sugar better.

Patients lose 5-10% of their body weight, contributing to better control of hyperglycemia. Some measures include adopting a reasonable diet, eating foods high in fiber, green vegetables, and fresh fruits. Avoid foods high in sugar and starch.

Overweight or obese people do not have diabetes but are at high risk of developing this disease due to their body’s insulin resistance. Dr. Ngan recommends that people over 30 years old who are overweight or obese should be screened for diabetes every year. Eat in moderation and combine appropriate exercise to regulate weight and prevent diabetes more effectively.