Weight Signals Diabetes
Suddenly weight gain may herald approaching Type 2 diabetes.
"It is the sudden increase of more than 11 pounds over the patient's weight at age 18 that may signal impending diabetes," according to UAB endocrinologist David Bell, M.D. Doctors already are aware that long-term obesity increases the risk of diabetes, but the time frame in which the pounds are gained -- as well as the type and distribution of the weight -- are as important as overall weight in assessing risk. But if sudden increase can put a person at risk of diabetes, a small decrease in body mass can help reduce risk. "You need only a 5-10 percent loss of weight to get major gains in life expectancy."
Contact Hank Black, 205-934-8938 or [email protected].
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