Obesity and diabetes

Obesity, which has currently reached pandemic dimensions, is usually accompanied by diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). These two conditions share common pathophysiological mechanisms. Adipose tissue secretes cytokines which are involved in inflammation and various endocrine functions. As for T2DM, it is characterized also by inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hyperinsulinemia. These conditions occur also in other diseases related to obesity and T2DM, like cardiovascular disease (CVD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thus, management of obesity-related complications with lifestyle modification, anti-obesity drugs, and bariatric surgery, all contribute to improvement in any of these conditions. This review provides an overview of the literature addressing the association between obesity and T2DM, briefly discussing the pathophysiological mechanisms linking these conditions and outlining the management approach at the overlap of obesity and T2DM.

Automated summary

Obesity, often accompanied by type 2 diabetes (T2DM), is a global epidemic with shared pathophysiological mechanisms. Both conditions involve inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hyperinsulinemia. Managing obesity-related complications through lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery can improve these conditions as well as related diseases like cardiovascular disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This review provides an overview of the literature on the association between obesity and T2DM, discussing the shared mechanisms and management approaches.