UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF EXCESS BODY WEIGHT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Excess body weight plays a pivotal role in the global surge of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and the body's inability to regulate glucose levels effectively. This paper delves into the complex pathophysiological mechanisms connecting excess body weight to T2DM, including adipose tissue dysfunction, inflammation, and insulin resistance, while also considering the role of metabolic syndrome and gut microbiota. The growing body of epidemiological evidence is discussed, alongside clinical and pharmacological interventions such as weight loss, which has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of T2DM. Finally, the paper explores global public health strategies, including policy interventions, aimed at addressing this epidemic by targeting obesity as a modifiable risk factor.