Obesity, Diabetes Becoming Very Common

Obesity, Diabetes Becoming Very Common

 

POSTED: 4:48 pm EST January 26, 2006

 

MILWAUKEE -- A connection between obesity and diabetes is so common today that researchers have coined a new word to describe it: "diabesity."

 

WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee reported the United States' growing ranks of "diabese" are overweight and developing Type 2 diabetes at a shocking rate.

 

"What's happening is sugars are going up because the body can not keep up with the weight," said Dr. Kate Glasenapp, of the Diabetes Center for Healthy Living in Wauwatosa, Wis.

 

Glasenapp said "diabesity" is now the go-to term to describe this problem. She said the word has appeared in books, articles and conferences.

 

The endocrinologist said "diabesity" can lead to "heart disease and joint disease. Some lung problems are related to obesity. In and of itself, it's a chronic illness."

 

Diabetes-focused programs work with patients to revamp eating habits, start exercise and lose weight. Some doctors have also started trying new medications.

 

WTMJ reported that patients can expect inhaled insulin to get federal approval this year, and injected hormones byetta and symlin enhance blood sugar control and help patients shed pounds.

 

Almost 90 percent of all Type 2 diabetics in the United States are overweight and obese. Experts said that losing just 10 percent of their body weight can ease their symptoms if they have diabetes.