In the United States, nearly 40% of adults between ages 20 and 39 live with obesity—a number that rises with age. This growing trend affects millions of people and is linked to another widespread condition: type 2 diabetes. In fact, individuals with obesity are about ten times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, a chronic illness that can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. Serious complications like kidney failure require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Loss of feeling and poor circulation can lead to unnoticed sores, infections, and amputations. Vision loss, blindness, and diabetic coma.
Over the past few decades, both obesity and type 2 diabetes have increased alarmingly. A new term has been created called “diabesity” to describe this dangerous combination. “Diabesity” highlights the global epidemic of both conditions, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity. What is most concerning is that this trend now affects people at a younger age, partly due to the rise in childhood obesity since the 1980s.
The Risks Go Beyond Blood Sugar
Obesity occurs when excess body fat accumulation exceeds healthy levels. Extra body fat, particularly around the abdomen, can lead to insulin resistance—a condition in which the body cannot effectively use the hormone insulin to convert sugar (obtained from what you eat) into the cell to be used for energy. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to prediabetes and eventually Type 2 Diabetes.
Each condition, obesity and type 2 diabetes poses serious health risks on its own. However, together they significantly increase the chances of developing heart disease, kidney failure, high blood pressure, circulation problems, nerve damage, vision loss, infections that heal poorly, and even impotence.
Even without diabetes, obesity significantly increases the risk of a wide range of serious health problems. Health problems like breathing difficulties, arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), strokes, certain cancers and mental Health like depression and anxiety. Decreasing your quality of life.
How to Take Control
While these challenges are serious, there are proven steps to lower your risk and even reverse early signs of diabetes, which is typically referred to as prediabetes. The most effective strategies include healthier food choices, moderate regular physical activity, weight loss, and support from healthcare professionals who can provide education, guidance, and help you stay on track.
- Set realistic goals.
Losing even 5% of your total body weight can lead to significant health benefits. Talk with your doctor about creating a plan that includes balanced meals, portion control, and daily movement. - Find your support system.
Encouragement from family, friends, or a support group makes a big difference. Many people find success through structured programs designed to guide them step by step toward lasting lifestyle changes.
Support from Temple Health
Temple Health offers a Diabetes Prevention and Education Program that helps people understand their risk and act before diabetes develops. The program combines personalized coaching, nutrition guidance, and exercise planning to promote long-term health and wellness.
Participants learn how to make small, sustainable changes—like choosing healthier foods, managing stress, and increasing daily activity—that can dramatically reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The program is part of Temple’s Population Health Department, which focuses on helping people in our community live healthier lives through education and prevention. By empowering individuals to take control of their health, Temple is making a real difference in preventing diabetes and its complications.
Read also: Why Lung Screening Matters
The Key: Prevention and Support
“Diabesity” represents one of the biggest public health challenges of our time—but it’s not irreversible. With medical guidance, healthy habits, and strong community programs like those offered at Temple, it is possible to prevent, manage, and even reverse the effects of obesity and diabetes.
Taking that first step toward better health may not be easy, but it is worth it. With support from your healthcare team and resources like Temple’s Diabetes Prevention and Education Program, every small change brings you closer to lasting wellness.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, Temple Health offers free screenings and access to its Diabetes Prevention & Education Program — a proactive way to learn your risk and take action to prevent type 2 diabetes. Schedule at a convenient location today: call 800-TEMPLE-MED.
Noticias Newswire
