According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 90 percent, which is a little more than 16 million, of the approximately 18 million American diabetics, are type 2 diabetics. Type 2 diabetics have to face the problem of insulin resistance which is the body’s inability to make use of the insulin to convert sugars, starches and glucose into energy. As a result, cardiovascular disease can develop and blood glucose levels can be too dangerously high. Type 2 diabetes needs to be controlled with a proper diabetic diet and the regular checking of blood sugar.
Usually, type 2 diabetes occurs due to factors such as insufficient exercise and too much increase in weight. As a result of unhealthy meals and snacks, and an inactive lifestyle, both adults and children are more susceptible to the development of diabetes. The connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes has only recently been revealed in a study by researchers, one of whom was Dr. Barbara B. Kahn of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
On 21 July 2005, the study was published in Nature, a scientific journal, in which was reported that Kahn found in the fat cells, a protein molecule that occurs naturally, which prevents insulin action. Retinol binding protein 4, also known as RBP4, helps cells take in Vitamin A. However, when there is an excessive amount of RBP4, it interferes with the function of insulin, and paves the way for diabetes to appear.
That obese diabetics have an excessive amount of RPB4 was a fact already known but it was thought to be not dangerous. It is only in 2005 that we are told the seriousness of insulin resistance was connected directly to the amount of RPB4. When the level of RPB4 was reduced, insulin functions normally again.
Weight Loss & Type 2 Diabetes – Video Guide
For the prevention of type 2 diabetes, people have been advised to take up exercise and have a healthy diet. And now, we know from Kahn’s study why those who lose weight also lose all their diabetes sign and symptoms.
However, for a number of reasons, weight loss for type 2 diabetics is not considered a cure, despite the findings of Dr. Kahn. First, diabetes returns if there is another increase in weight. Furthermore, cases of those people more susceptible to diabetes due to the genetic factor, in which not just high RPB4 levels are the cause. It is a fact that there are type 2 diabetics who are far from fat. Certainly, RPB4 cannot be the cause in such cases.
Nevertheless, for most type 2 diabetics, obesity is the cause. When it is so, all symptoms of diabetes can be overcome with weight loss. For those diabetics with a genetic cause, although weight loss may not cure, it may improve their condition and have their blood glucose better controlled. After some time, there may be no necessity to take medications and general health can be better. With sufficient exercise and a healthier lifestyle, diabetes symptoms may never crop up again. Even though there are good reasons for the medical people to not consider this a cure, those enjoying a symptom-free life are satisfied enough not to bother about the medical community’s opinion.
Type 2 diabetics who are obese ought to talk to a doctor concerning a suitable diet and the right exercise program for them.