It is well known that obesity is a major factor causing type 2 diabetes because excess fat in the body is broken down into free fatty acids and glucose, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and sent to various organs in the body. When glucose and fatty acids are excessively present in the bloodstream, the pancreas, which produces insulin to help absorb blood sugar, has to produce more insulin. This causes the pancreas to work harder and gradually deteriorate until it can no longer function, resulting in high blood sugar and eventually type 2 diabetes.
Beware of abdominal obesity
Abdominal obesity or metabolic syndrome is a group of metabolic disorders in the body. Fat cells around the waist or abdomen increase continuously, causing a visibly central obesity. This condition is often accompanied by decreased levels of good cholesterol HDL-C (High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol) and increased triglyceride levels, leading to abnormal sugar metabolism. This results in higher than normal blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of diabetes.
Key components related to abdominal obesity include:
- Waist circumference: men greater than or equal to 90 centimeters, women greater than or equal to 80 centimeters
- Blood HDL-C levels: men less than 40 mg/dL, women less than 50 mg/dL
- Triglyceride levels: greater than 150 mg/dL
- Blood pressure: greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHg
- Blood sugar levels: not less than 100 mg/dL
Therefore, controlling blood sugar, fat levels, blood pressure, and waist circumference within normal ranges is important, along with maintaining weight and exercising regularly. If abnormalities occur, consult a doctor immediately.
3 Principles A. to prevent obesity
The prevention and treatment of obesity and diabetes have similar principles and are not difficult to follow, as follows:
- Food: Reduce, avoid, and refrain from foods high in fat and sugar
- Exercise: Do regularly every day or at least 4 days a week, 30 minutes each time
- Emotion: Manage stress and keep your emotions stable
Weight loss surgery to treat diabetes
In cases where obese patients have diabetes complications and cannot lose weight on their own, bariatric surgery is another option that helps alleviate and potentially cure diabetes. This surgery helps patients control their weight and daily food intake, resulting in reduced accumulated blood sugar. Some patients can reduce or stop diabetes medication or even achieve complete remission if they maintain an HbA1c level below 6.0-6.5% for at least one year without diabetes medication, which is considered a cure. Follow-up data on diabetic patients who underwent bariatric surgery for 1–5 years show that diabetes remission rates range from 30-63% after surgery. Additionally, it helps reduce blood lipid levels, lower blood pressure, and improve the quality of life for diabetic patients, reducing mortality rates.
Dr. Sunee Jia
Endocrinology and Metabolism Specialist
Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital
