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Obesity and diabetes

There is a strong relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes.

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How does obesity affect diabetes?

Carrying extra weight, especially around your stomach, can make it harder for your body to use insulin effectively. When this happens, blood sugar levels can stay higher than normal, which can make managing type 2 diabetes more difficult.1 

Why weight matters for diabetes:

It makes it harder for your body to control blood sugar levels2 and makes your body less responsive to insulin.3

It increases inflammation, which can affect how your organs work.1

It changes the way your body stores and uses energy.4

Managing your weight for type 2 diabetes

How much weight do I need to lose to help my diabetes?

Even a modest amount of weight loss - around 5 to 10% - can improve your body's ability to control blood sugar levels and lower your risk of complications. Losing a bit more, about 10-15%, can have an even bigger impact and may even lead to diabetes remission.5

Steps to manage your weight

  • Eat balanced meals: Focus on high-fibre foods, lean protein, and plenty of vegetables. Limit foods high in added sugar.6
  • Move every day: Regular activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps your body use insulin more effectively.7
  • Build healthy habits: Focus on small, sustainable changes. Tracking your progress and setting achievable goals can help.8

Who can support me in managing my weight?

Healthcare professionals, dietitians, and structured programmes can provide guidance and monitoring to help you get your weight under control. Get advice on having conversations about weight loss on our how to talk to your doctor page.

Taking the next step towards better health

Managing your weight is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term health.

If you're considering a weight loss procedure, the first step is to speak with a qualified doctor who can review your health history and recommend the best options for you.

 

Ready to talk to a doctor about your options for weight loss? 

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References

  1. Klein S, et al. Why does obesity cause diabetes? Cell Metab. 2022;34(1):11-20. 
  2. Xu H, et al. Causal effects of overall and abdominal obesity on insulin resistance and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a two-sample mendelian randomization study. Front Genet. 2020;11. 
  3. Schenk S, et al. Improved insulin sensitivity after weight loss and exercise training is mediated by a reduction in plasma fatty acid mobilization, not enhanced oxidative capacity. J Physiol. 2009;587(Pt 20):4949-61. 
  4. Jin X, et al. Pathophysiology of obesity and its associated diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2023;13:2403–12. 
  5. Davies MJ, et al. Management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes, 2022: a consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Diabetes Care. 2022;45(11):2753–86. 
  6. Evert AB, et al. Nutrition therapy for adults with diabetes or prediabetes: a consensus report. Diabetes Care. 2019;42(5):731–54. 
  7. Colberg SR, et al. Physical activity/exercise and diabetes: a position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2016;39(11):2065–79. 
  8. DeWalt DA, et al. Goal setting in diabetes self-management: taking the baby steps to success. Patient Educ Couns. 2009;77(2):218-23. 

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