The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology has published the key findings of the 11th edition of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, which reveals the latest global diabetes prevalence data for 2024 and trend projections for 2050.
A fundamental aspect of the study is that the IDF used an “epidemiological definition” based on a single abnormal blood glucose test, whereas clinical diagnosis usually requires two abnormal tests. In addition, the report did not take obesity into account.
In fact, obesity is very common in European and American countries, with many people exceeding healthy weight standards. Especially after middle age, metabolism slows down, making it easy to gain weight. A noticeable sign is a growing belly and increased body weight. Obesity can trigger many diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and diabetes.
Therefore, although the research report did not consider obesity, obesity does indeed increase the risk of developing diabetes. To check whether your weight is excessive, you can refer to a health index table matching height and weight to see if you fall within the safe range. You can also keep an electronic scale or a body fat scale at home to monitor your weight at any time. Never let yourself become excessively obese.