Having both diabetes and obesity is called diabesity

Diabesity, a condition where a person has both diabetes and obesity, is becoming more common due to the link between excess body fat and developing diabetes. Dr. Robert Kushner of Northwestern Center for Lifestyle Medicine explains that controlling weight may be the key to improving diabetes, and this can be achieved through lifestyle changes and medications. While there is no specific diet that is best for weight loss, the Mediterranean diet is recommended for diabetes as it is plant-based with high amounts of healthy oils, fish, cheese, and nuts, and low in simple carbohydrates. It is important to focus on dietary carbohydrates to regulate normal blood sugar with constant insulin. Lifestyle changes alone can keep prediabetes from progressing to diabetes, and this can be achieved by setting realistic, achievable targets and getting social support or professional help. The risk of diabesity peaks in the 50s and 60s and likely starts to drop as we age. People with belly fat should focus on exercise, fitness, healthy diets, reducing stress, quitting smoking, and getting enough sleep to control their weight and diabetes. Weight loss through lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 58%, compared to 31% for those who only take medication. Weight loss also improves insulin levels and health, and can even lead to diabetes remission. However, it is important to note that genetics play a role in body size and shape, and risk factors such as lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, and smoking are within our control. WebMD offers free health webinars by leading experts on a variety of topics.