The Answer... Absolutely.
Not everyone with Type 2 Diabetes is overweight, but obesity and being inactive are two of the most common causes. In fact these factors account for between 90-95% of diabetes cases in the U.S. according to Web.M.D. in 2021. Epidemiology is the study of the spread of disease and obesity remains one of the fastest growing causes of ill health in the modern world.
According to Diabetes New Zealand in 2021 the number of New Zealanders with type 2 diabetes is expected to increase by 70-90% in 20 years... in my book, that's a seriously worrying stat.
My Background In Type 2 Diabetes
You won't find me in a doctors office or through an online directory. My background is in the Epidemiology of Obesity, a subject currently being studied globally, under the Geographies of Health. Simply put, that's how us humans interact with and are affected by the world around us. We don't exist in a vacuum, which is why many 'diets' without considering other aspects of your life, simply won't work.
It is very important I make clear that I am not a medical doctor. Doctor's support should always be sought if you believe you are suffering with this disease. As the statistics above suggest, for most people Type 2 Diabetes is a lifestyle related disease that can often be reversed and managed through reverse engineering the lifestyle that caused it.
Our environment, our culture, our economic situation and even the consumptions spaces that we are surrounded by have a huge part to play in our likelihood of struggling with our weight and mental health.
Insulin Resistance – Do You Have It?
Insulin resistance - which is often a pre-cursor to Type 2 Diabetes is one of the biggest and fasting growing health concerns in the modern world.
IS INSULIN GOOD OR BAD?
Insulin is essential to keep us alive. When there is a surplus of glucose (sugar) in the blood insulin signals our cells to remove glucose. Where does it go? Insulin cleverly removes the sugar from our blood and stores it as fat for later on. For this reason it is also known as the fat storage hormone. Doesn’t sound so good now does it?
THE PROBLEM WITH INSULIN RESISTANCE
When we become resistant to insulin our cells stop responding to insulin and our blood sugar levels remain high. This can lead to a number of health issues including (most notably) Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, PCOS, weight struggles and high blood pressure. 50% of people with insulin resistance will likely develop Type 2 Diabetes without a lifestyle change.
THE SYMPTONS OF INSULIN RESISTANCE
- Abdominal Fat
- Sugar Cravings
- Extreme Thirst
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Dark Skin Patches or Tags
- Hunger Straight Away After A Meal
- High Blood Sugar Levels At The Doctor
If this is sounding a little too familiar for your liking the good news is that there are lots of little easy tweaks you can make to your current lifestyle to reverse insulin resistance.
Got a question or want to know more?
Get in touch on Facebook or Instagram at @amysfitnessandnutrition, drop me a message to 0272 650 350, or check out more at amysfitnessandnutrition.co.nz.
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