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Get on Track with Better Living

Find information, tips, and resources on managing your diabetes

Live a healthier, fuller life by learning more about the types of diabetes, potential complications, and ways to receive insurance coverage.

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Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity: A Deadly Combination

With the Center for Disease Control reporting that 33.8% percent of adults and 17% of children are obese, there's little doubt that obesity is an epidemic. [1] Obesity is classified as having an abnormal and excessive amount of body fat. In 2010, it earned its status as the number one cause of preventable death. The fact that obesity is a leading risk factor for several life-threatening conditions, like heart disease and diabetes, may explain how it landed the top position. Consequently, as obesity continues to soar so does Type 2 diabetes.

Obesity and Diabetes

People suffering from diabetes, obesity, and metabolism disorders face a tough road ahead because weight affects how your body uses insulin. People who are overweight or obese may suffer from metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is a collection of at least three risk factors including abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a high blood sugar level.[2] Not only is metabolic syndrome connected to heart disease, but it's also a common risk factor for diabetes. Similar to metabolic syndrome, obesity can result in Type 2 diabetes. Excessive fat can hinder your cells' response to insulin, causing insulin resistance. Once this occurs, your body's cells are unable to store or use glucose. If left untreated, glucose begins to build up in the bloodstream, causing your blood glucose level to rise. This may lead to Type 2 diabetes.

Lack of exercise is also associated with diabetes and obesity. Not only does exercise help control your weight, but it can improve insulin sensitivity. This makes it easier for your body to convert glucose into energy. Not only does being obese increase your risk for Type 2 diabetes, but you're also at a greater risk for other diseases associated with diabetes.

Diabetes Complications Associated with Diabetes

Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and obesity increases your risk for other health complications like nerve damage and cardiovascular disease. Nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy, is one of the most common conditions associated with Type 2 diabetes. Over time, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels, making nerves more susceptible to harm. This can cause pain, tingling, burning or numbness in your arms, hands, legs, and feet. Sensation loss in one's feet or legs is a common occurrence, so it is important to regularly check for any injuries or infections. In addition to affecting your nerves, high blood sugar levels can harden your arteries, causing plaque to build up. This makes it more difficult for oxygen to travel to your heart. After awhile, this build up may cause hypertension, stroke or heart disease.

How to Help Prediabetes Patients

Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal, putting you at risk for diabetes. Fortunately for prediabetes patients, a diabetes diagnosis is not inevitable. Since millions of people are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, it's important to recognize the signs associated with diabetes and obesity. If you discover that you're at risk, you can take the necessary measures needed to reduce your risk and improve your health. For instance, excess weight on the midsection or a waistline of over 40 inches for men and over 35 inches for women may put you at risk for obesity and diabetes. Having an overnight blood glucose test display a reading between 100 and 125 mg/dl could also mean you're closer to a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis than you think.

Fortunately, you can prevent an unwanted diagnosis by changing your eating and exercising habits. You can achieve your optimum weight and lower your blood sugar by eating more lean meats, vegetables, and fruits. Exercising for 30 minutes every day can also reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes. By leading a healthier lifestyle, you may be able to avoid a lifelong disease.

Consult your physician to learn more about how diabetes, obesity, and metabolism are related. If you're concerned about your risk for Type 2 diabetes, your doctor can help by map out a preventative plan. This plan will most likely consist of a balanced diet and suggested exercises. Following this plan will ensure that you're doing what's needed to maintain your health.

[1] http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html

[2] http://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/metabolic-syndrome.aspx

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If you have diabetes and are on Medicare, the cost of your diabetes testing supplies may be covered.† Liberty will contact you to answer any questions you have and help determine if your supplies are covered.

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*Meter offer available to qualified beneficiaries with diabetes. Meter offer not applicable to all brands of meters. Meter offer dependent on patient enrollment. While offer valid. Meters shown for illustrative purposes only. The Liberty meter is distributed by Liberty Medical Supply, Inc, Port St. Lucie, FL.

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Liberty Medical Supply, Inc. All rights reserved. Liberty and We Deliver Better Health are registered trademarks of PolyMedica Corporation. Liberty Medical Supply, Inc., a Medco Health Solutions, Inc. company. This communication is not affiliated with Medco client programs or communications. Liberty's service may not be available in all areas depending on your insurance coverage.

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© 2012 DiabeticSeniors.com — This information is not designed to replace a doctor’s judgment about the specific solution for your particular condition.