Obesity linked to up to half of new diabetes cases annually

Reducing the prevalence of obesity may prevent up to half of new Type 2 diabetes cases in the United States, suggested a new research.
The new research was published in the ‘Journal of the American Heart Association’, an open-access journal of the American Heart Association. Obesity is a major contributor to diabetes, and the new study suggested that more tailored efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of obesity-related diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting more than 31 million Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being overweight or having obesity, being over the age of 45, having an immediate family member diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, being physically active less than 3 times per week, or a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). Type 2 diabetes is more common among people who are Black, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, or Asian American.
The number of deaths due to Type 2 diabetes in people younger than 65 is increasing along with serious complications of the condition, including amputations and hospitalisations.
In addition, Type 2 diabetes impacts heart disease and stroke risk: adults with Type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke than people without diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating healthy food, and being physically active.
According to the National Diabetes Prevention Program, behavior changes have been shown to help people with prediabetes lose 5 per cent – 7 per cent of their body weight and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 per cent (71per cent for people older than age 60). Researchers examined the prevalence and excess risk of Type 2 diabetes associated with obesity.
“Our study highlights the meaningful impact that reducing obesity could have on Type 2 diabetes prevention in the United States. Decreasing obesity needs to be a priority. (ANI)