BMI (Body Mass Index) is important because it is generally believed that having a healthy BMI increases the chances of living a longer and healthier life.

You could have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as other metabolic disorders like hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease if your BMI is high.

The relationship between BMI and diabetes

According to studies, there is a clear correlation between a high BMI and type 2 diabetes, with the risk of developing the disease increases with each rise in BMI.

Data studies

Obesity was related to 2.5 to 5 times higher rates of diabetes than people of average weight, with those with a BMI of 40 or more having the greatest risk. The findings were as follows:

• Overweight people with a BMI of 25-29.9 are 50 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
• Diabetes is 2.5 times more common in people with a BMI of 30-34.9 (obesity class I).
• Obesity class II (BMI 35-39.9): Diabetes is 3.6 times more common in men than in women.
• Obesity class III (BMI 40+): Diabetes is 5.1 times more likely to develop.

Long-term health threats, BMI, and other factors

A high BMI, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, bone and joint disorders such as osteoarthritis, and cancers such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.

Large-scale studies, such as SHIELD (Study to Help Improve Early Assessment and Treatment of Risk Factors Leading to Diabetes), conducted in the United States in 2004, show strong links between a higher BMI and an increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), as well as type 2 diabetes.

How BMI Is Used by Health Care Practitioners

Doctors check people's BMI on a regular basis to see if they're at a good weight, and they'll give you advice based on their findings:

If your BMI is below 18.5, you can eat more to maintain a healthy weight.

You are of average weight if your weight is between 18.5 and 25 pounds.

If your BMI is between 25 and 30, you should lose weight and exercise more to reduce your risk of obesity.

Specific diets and weight-loss programs, as well as referrals to a dietitian, are recommended for people with a BMI of 30 or higher.

Programs for weight loss and diet

If your BMI is greater than 30, you might be referred to a weight-loss group or prescribed exercise.

Commercial slimming groups and NHS-provided weight loss groups are also options. Exercise on prescription entails being referred to a fitness team or a licensed trainer for a series of physical activity sessions.

Your health team should advise you on how to change your eating habits and exercise effectively to get the best results.

A very low-calorie diet of 800kcal per day could be considered for certain people. This necessitates medical supervision and may not be appropriate for such individuals.

Bariatric surgery is a procedure that helps people lose weight.

In the United Kingdom, you might be qualified for bariatric surgery if you meet the following criteria:

Having a BMI of more than 35

Giving a BMI of more than 30 and being newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Sports activities and sensor protection

Walking, dancing, and other forms of exercise are examples of physical activity. The definition of a "balanced lifestyle" includes regular physical activity. 

Since you have diabetes, you should not stop exercising. Furthermore, there are almost no sports that this condition prevents you from participating in. Diabetes mellitus affects certain professional athletes, but it is not an impediment to their continued participation in sports.

Also, you should not forget to protect your sensor with Fixic freestyle libre stickers.

 

Inspired by the global diabetes community.