Lifestyle and health - AQA SynergyObesity and type 2 diabetes

Health is the state of physical, mental and social well-being. It is not just being free from disease. Communicable diseases can be transferred from one person to another, whilst non-communicable diseases cannot.

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Obesity and type 2 diabetes

Being obese - with deposits of in the abdomen - increases blood pressure beyond normal levels and increases levels of blood lipids.

Type 2 diabetes

Body fat also affects the body's ability to use .

Type 2 diabetes is where the body's cells lose their sensitivity to insulin - they no longer respond, or respond less effectively, to the insulin that's produced.

Obesity accounts for 80 to 85% of the risk of type 2 diabetes. Rising obesity is linked with diets that include energy-rich 'fast foods' and an inactive lifestyle.

The bar charts show the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes associated with people's .

The bar charts show the increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes associated with people’s Body Mass Index.
Figure caption,
The increased risk of type 2 diabetes in relation to BMI, for men and for women

The risk of developing and type 2 diabetes can be reduced by eating a balanced diet, with unrefined, unprocessed, 'whole foods', and taking regular exercise.

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but it can be controlled with a balanced diet and exercise.