An adult man running outside, working on healthy habits to manage diabetes and weight loss.

The relationship between Type 2 diabetes and weight

October 20, 2024

Diabetes and overweight are two of the most prevalent health conditions in the U.S. It’s estimated that more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately two in five adults are considered obese. But how do these two conditions connect?
 

The link between diabetes and weight

Carrying excess weight is not only a risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes, but it can contribute to worsening existing diabetes.
 

Body fat, especially around the abdomen, can cause changes to your metabolism that lead to insulin resistance. This is when your cells stop responding normally to the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. To compensate, your pancreas churns out more insulin. Eventually, your insulin-producing cells can wear out from being overworked. This makes it difficult for your pancreas (and the insulin it produces) to do its job of moving glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells for energy, resulting in higher blood sugar levels.
 

Excess weight stresses your body's ability to properly use insulin to manage blood sugar. This chain reaction can ultimately lead to the high blood sugar levels characteristic of diabetes.
 

How diabetes can affect your ability to lose weight

Having diabetes can also make losing weight more challenging. When insulin becomes less effective at moving glucose out of the bloodstream, the body begins to store the glucose as fat instead of using it for energy, leading to excess body fat.
 

Some people with Type 2 diabetes may experience weight loss due to lack of appetite and loss of fluids due to increased urination. Additionally, when your body cannot use insulin effectively, your cells can feel starved for energy, and your body starts burning fat and muscle for fuel instead, leading to weight loss.
 

It requires a multifaceted approach of healthy lifestyle habits and working closely with your healthcare provider to manage Type 2 diabetes and weight concerns.
 

Healthy habits for managing diabetes and weight

Many of the same healthy habits can help manage both diabetes and weight. Here are some tips from Irene Cheung, a family nurse practitioner and clinical lead at Labcorp OnDemand:
 

  • Establish healthy eating habits: Follow an eating pattern, like the Mediterranean diet, that emphasizes non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and healthy fats. It’s also important to stay hydrated and limit added sugars and processed foods. "Paying attention to the quality of your calories can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote weight loss," says Cheung.
  • Stay active: Aerobic and strength training exercises, like walking, yoga or dumbbell workouts, can help improve insulin sensitivity so your cells can better absorb glucose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.
  • Monitor your blood sugar and weight over time: This allows you to see how your habits are impacting your health and adjust as needed. Labcorp OnDemand’s Diabetes Management Test is a useful tool for both detecting and/or monitoring diabetes by checking your average blood sugar level over an extended period (8-12 weeks), as well as your kidney function and cholesterol levels. The Labcorp OnDemand Weight Management Baseline Test gives you an overall picture of your health before you begin a weight loss journey, whether you are making lifestyle modifications or taking weight management medications (e.g., glucagon-like-peptide-1, or GLP-1 medication). This test looks at your average blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, thyroid function and overall metabolic health to give you a snapshot of your starting line. Labcorp OnDemand’s Weight Management Tracking Test can help you monitor your progress throughout your weight loss journey. The blood test gives you key information on how your body is responding to weight management by measuring your HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c), or average blood sugar level, over the past 2-3 months, along with your cholesterol and lipid levels.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider: Together, you can determine whether medications or other therapies may aid your diabetes and weight loss efforts when combined with lifestyle changes.

 

The bottom line is that diabetes and obesity influence each other. Taking control of your health with a well-balanced diet, incorporating physical activity most days and taking health screening tests can empower you to live a healthier life. Work closely with your healthcare provider to find the right combination of lifestyle habits and treatment to manage both your weight and diabetes.
 

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