Diabesity
26 enero, 2026 2026-03-10 10:52Diabesity
Salvando Latidos 
Diabesity
Diabesity is a term used to describe the close relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes, two conditions that often occur together and significantly increase the risk of heart disease and other serious health problems.
When excess body fat affects the body’s ability to use insulin properly, blood sugar levels rise, leading to diabetes. Diabesity highlights that obesity is not just “extra weight,” but a metabolic disease that directly impacts how the body regulates glucose, inflammation, and overall cardiovascular health.
Are You at Risk for Diabesity?
Several everyday habits and biological factors can increase the likelihood of developing diabesity.
The most common modifiable risk factors are:
- Poor diet (high in sugars and fats)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history
- Chronic stress
- Hormonal disorders
- Bad sleep habits
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Diabesity in Mexico
- Obesity: More than 1 billion people worldwide live with obesity.
In Mexico, 72.4% of adults have overweight or obesity.
- Diabetes: In 2024, 13.6 million Mexicans were living with diabetes, making it one of the leading causes of death in the country.
Understanding the Diagnosis and Classification of Obesity and Diabetes
Obesity
There are several ways to diagnose overweight or obesity. The most commonly used method—because it is simple and does not require laboratory tests—is the Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (kg/m²).
BMI Classification:
- Overweight: 25–29.9
- Obesity Class I: 30–34.9
- Obesity Class II: 35–39.9
- Obesity Class III: ≥40
However, BMI does not tell the whole story. Some people with a “normal” weight may have excess visceral fat (known as hidden obesity), while others may have a high BMI due to increased muscle mass rather than excess fat.
For this reason, other tools are also used:
- Waist circumference: Increased abdominal fat tissue is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Body composition analysis: Measures body fat, muscle mass, and body water (e.g., bioimpedance or InBody analysis).
Diabetes
To diagnose diabetes, healthcare professionals use several tests that measure how the body processes and regulates blood sugar. These tests help identify whether glucose levels are elevated and determine if a person has prediabetes or diabetes. The most commonly used diagnostic tests include:
- Fasting glucose: Diabetes is diagnosed when fasting glucose is 126 mg/dL or higher.
- Oral glucose tolerance test: Measures glucose levels after drinking a sugary solution. Levels of 200 mg/dL or higher indicate diabetes.
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): Reflects average glucose levels over the past 2–3 months. A value of 6.5% or higher confirms the diagnosis.
How Diabesity Affects the Body
When obesity or diabetes occur individually, they can already cause serious harm.
Both conditions increase the risk of suffering a heart attack or a stroke, two of the leading causes of death worldwide. Over time, they can also lead to kidney failure, progressive vision loss, and limb amputations due to nerve damage and poor circulation.
When obesity and diabetes coexist, the risks multiply.
Diabesity significantly raises the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death globally. It also contributes to fatty liver disease, a condition that can progress to cirrhosis, and increases the risk of several types of cancer. Ultimately, the combination of both diseases is associated with a higher chance of premature death.
New Advances in Diabesity Care: A Comprehensive, Person‑Centered Approach
The treatment of diabesity has evolved far beyond focusing solely on weight or blood sugar levels. Today, the most effective care recognizes the person as a whole and relies on an interdisciplinary team that addresses cardiovascular health, metabolism, nutrition, emotional well‑being, and lifestyle habits. New medications now target both glucose and fat metabolism, offering powerful tools for weight loss and metabolic control. At the same time, technologies such as continuous glucose monitors have transformed diabetes management, and bariatric surgery continues to play a crucial role for individuals with severe obesity. Together, these advances are reshaping how diabesity is treated—more precise, more personalized, and more effective than ever.
