Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Acarbose

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 3 years ago · 4 min read

Excess weight can affect your health a number of ways, though type 2 diabetes is one of the most serious risks for those who fall into the overweight or obese categories. These determinations are usually made by assessing an individual’s BMI, and those whose BMI is higher than 25 are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who fall within the normal weight category. One of the medications commonly used treat type 2 diabetes, acarbose, has been included in the WAYT-less dieting program, but more about that in a moment. Read on to find out what is acarbose.

Obesity and Diabetes

When an individual builds up excess weight, the cells of the body develop a resistance to the insulin released from the pancreas. This loss of sensitivity creates an insulin ratio that ends up higher than the blood sugar level. The body is unable to reduce its sugar levels since the body doesn’t readily accept the assistance of insulin. A person’s dietary choices directly impact glucose or blood sugar levels within the body.

Managing Glucose

When food is consumed, the processes of chewing the food and the chemical digestion produce glucose. This sugar is what the body organs, muscles, and tissue use for fuel. In a healthy body, the glucose will enter the cells and assist with metabolic processes of making and breaking down food. Insulin is the element that allows the glucose into the cells. When it's available for use, it keeps the body from producing more glucose in the liver and the process of using glycogen. This process keeps glucose levels from rising after eating. Insulin manages blood glucose levels because it collects the excess glucose still in the bloodstream and stores it for later use. When insulin isn’t available in a quantity to support these functions, glucose can’t enter the cells. It has to remain in the bloodstream where it raises that body’s level of retained sugar. This is called hyperglycemia or elevated blood glucose.

Managing Your Risk

Whatever you consume throughout the day, whether what you eat or drink contributes to your body’s glucose levels. Your activity levels impact your insulin sensitivity, because the more excess weight you have, the more resistant your tissue and muscle cells become to the insulin hormone. Problems with blood sugar and insulin functions lead to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Inactive lifestyles often contribute to being overweight, but the inactivity contributes to a lack of insulin use within the muscles. The muscles are the primary areas in the body that require energy for use. Too much fat in the diet and too many simple carbohydrates contribute to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. High cholesterol and high blood pressure are also linked to increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, in addition to heart disease and strokes.

Obesity and Acarbose

For those that have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, acarbose is a prescription oral tablet used to manage the condition. Some individuals take it as a stand-alone drug, while others have acarbose included a combination therapy drug. It is used to help lower blood sugar levels, but its effectiveness depends on the individual following a balanced diet and getting sufficient exercise. Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, which slows the action of enzymes that break the food down into sugars. This reduces how many carbohydrates will be digested, limiting how high your blood sugar will rise after meals. Though this is important for people who already have type 2 diabetes, it also extremely beneficial for individuals that are seeking to lose weight.

How It Works

As an FDA approved medication, acarbose aids dieters by limiting excess weight gain and reducing the body fat that has already accumulated. Though the medication blocks the absorption of carbohydrates in the body, it is prescribed along with instructions to reduce carb content at mealtime and to eat smaller meals more frequently. Within the body, carbohydrates aren’t easily absorbed, preventing conversion into glucose and excess fat. The body releases this excess through the feces. The calorie restriction and increased activity levels work to shed excess weight, while the acarbose keeps the body from putting on new weight through the food that is consumed.

How It Is Beneficial

As seen, enhanced weight loss results are the most significant benefits for those who are obese and taking acarbose as a diet enhancer. Many dieters struggle with restricted diets and rigorous meal requirements, and occasionally, individuals find themselves cheating on their diet or giving in to a moment of weakness. It is also easy to get caught up at work or on a project and reduce the amount of time you have available to shop for healthy groceries or cook a meal that is limited in carbs and provides a balanced diet. Acarbose can help you out. Since it blocks digestion and pushes carb intake toward elimination, you will find that your occasional snack cake or take out meal aren't as guilt-laden as they once were. The impact on regulating blood sugar is helpful for those with type 2 diabetes, but it is beneficial for those who are dieting as well. Since exercise is needed to make full use of the support of acarbose, your muscles start to rely more on insulin to ensure the body’s glucose gets to the right place.

Obesity and Lifestyle Changes

While it may seem like a wonder drug, acarbose isn’t effective unless several lifestyle changes are made. This is true whether you have type 2 diabetes or whether you have been categorized as overweight or obese. In either situation, your physician will tell you of the need for a balanced diet and plenty of exercise.

Change Your Diet

How you change your diet depends on what you are trying to achieve with your acarbose prescription. Those who have type 2 diabetes have a more stringent dietary list than those who are trying to lose weight. If you are using the WAYT-less dieting plan by Nu Image, you will be limited to 800 calories a day on the program. This gives your body the nutritional support it needs while shedding extra pounds. However, after you have reached your weight goal, you should have a lifestyle that sustains your weight loss. Unless you continue to use a weight loss supplement, you are in danger of losing your progress without dietary changes. Lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy are the core items around which you should build your intake. Limit your intake of processed and refined sugars, fats, and simple carbohydrates.

Change Your Activity Levels

You can lose weight by dieting, but you boost your results when you add in a rigorous exercise program. Not only do your burn through excess fat, but your body uses up the nutrients and glucose produced when it engages in exercise. Building strong bones, muscles, and joints supports your overall health, but in strengthening these areas, you also lower your risk of heart disease and other known killers.

Thanks to acarbose, many individuals have found help managing conditions of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Medication can only go so far, and the body relies on increased activity levels and a nutritious, balanced diet for lasting success and higher quality of life.

Nu Image Medical® offers a new and futuristic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. The company has been a weight loss, anti-aging and wellness provider since 2004 and offers medically supervised programs for medical weight loss, hormones, erectile dysfunction, scream cream, and hair loss (NuDew) 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.