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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are the chances of me having diabetes if I am overweight?

    Related Topics
    Endocrinology Obesity Type 2 Diabetes
    How strong is the relationship between obesity and diabetes?
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    Lillian Bull

    Exercise Physiologist

    Lillian Bull is an Exercise Physiologist with Active Partnerships, a private practice in Mosman, Sydney. Lillian has been working in the health and fitness industry … View Profile

    Obesity, insufficient physical activity levels and increased sedentary behaviour are risk factors for pre-diabetic conditions, such as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and imparied glucose tolerance (IGT), and type 2 diabetes. Carrying excess weight centrally (“apple shape”) can affect the body's ability to utilise insulin effectively (insulin is needed to transport glucose to various cells in the body to reduce blood glucose levels) and eventually lead to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar levels). The good news is that exercise training has a positive effect on insulin action and controlling blood glucose levels by increasing muscle mass and reducing abdominal adiposity.

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  • Lisa Renn

    Dietitian

    Lisa is an APD with 12 years experience, specialising in helping people identify and change habits that impact negatively on their health. Inspiring change, Lisa … View Profile

    Hi there,
    While being overweight is definitely a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, particularly if you carry your weight on your abdominal area, as mentioned by Lillian above.
    The biggest predictor of whether diabetes will become an issue for you is if any other member of your family has type 2 diabetes.
    In either case it is definitely worth starting to eat well and exercise regularly as this is your best defense against a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
    Good Luck.

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  • Carlie Marshall

    Exercise Physiologist

    I am an exercise physiologist specialising in exercise prescription for chronic disease management. I currently run group exercise classes for people living with heart and … View Profile

    Hi,
    Being overweight is one of a number of risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes (as well as other health conditions). I would like to suggest you visit the Australian Diabetes Council Website www.australiandiabetescouncil.com and complete the AUSDRISK form. If you find you are at risk then speak to your doctor about getting tested.
    Having a healthy dietary intake and exercising regularly has been shown to prevent Diabetes so it would be worth while looking into these options as well.

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