Fat Accumulation May Be a Factor in Diabetes Risk

The fat accumulated by a person in relationship with their overall body size may be a risk factor in the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

The report was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

The study centered on four groups of participants. One group was born small for gestational size and remained smaller than average well into adulthood. The second group was also born small for gestational size but grew to normal height levels by reaching adulthood. The third group of participants was born normal for gestational size and grew to be shorter than the average stature by adulthood. And the final group were born normal for gestational size and remained within normal limits into adulthood.

Of all the four groups, the only factor shared in relation to Type 2 Diabetes was the overall fat accumulation by the body over time. Researchers were unable to reveal whether or not there was a definitive link between being born small and achieving normal heights later in life and remaining small throughout life and the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

What researchers were able to report was a link found between fat mass and Type 2 Diabetes. No matter the birth height or weight, the adults who accumulated more fat mass for their overall size were more likely to be insulin sensitive. This sensitivity is the greatest risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes.

According to the study authors, the best choice is to remain within normal body fat limits no matter how tall you grow or how much you weight throughout life.