Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels, occurring when the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively. This impaired insulin action is known as insulin resistance. Belly fat refers to the fat accumulated around the abdominal area. Understanding the different types of fat in this region is important for comprehending its connection to metabolic health.
Understanding Belly Fat
Belly fat consists of two primary types: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is the visible, soft, and pinchable fat located directly beneath the skin, often found across the hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. While present throughout the body, it is generally considered less harmful to overall health compared to the deeper fat.
Visceral fat, also known as intra-abdominal fat, is located deep within the abdominal cavity. It surrounds vital internal organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat is not visible or pinchable from the outside. This type of fat is metabolically active, influencing how the body functions and stores energy.
The Intertwined Relationship: Diabetes and Visceral Fat
A complex, bidirectional relationship exists between Type 2 diabetes and visceral fat, where each influences the other’s development and progression. Insulin resistance, a defining characteristic of Type 2 diabetes, contributes to increased visceral fat accumulation. When cells become less responsive to insulin, the body attempts to compensate by producing more insulin, which can paradoxically promote fat storage, especially in the visceral region.
Visceral fat is highly metabolically active and directly impacts insulin sensitivity. Its cells release various inflammatory molecules, including cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and resistin. These substances interfere with normal insulin signaling in muscle, fat, and liver cells, thereby exacerbating insulin resistance throughout the body.
Visceral fat also releases free fatty acids directly into the portal vein, transporting them to the liver. High levels of these fatty acids in the liver can impair its ability to regulate glucose and contribute to hepatic insulin resistance. This constant exposure to inflammatory mediators and fatty acids from visceral fat creates an environment that makes it more challenging for the body to manage blood sugar levels, contributing to the development and worsening of Type 2 diabetes.
Beyond Appearance: Why Visceral Fat Matters in Diabetes
Excess visceral fat is not merely an aesthetic concern; it presents significant health implications, particularly for individuals with or at risk of diabetes. Its metabolic activity contributes to systemic inflammation, a low-grade, chronic inflammatory state throughout the body. This widespread inflammation is linked to various complications commonly seen in diabetes.
One notable consequence is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where fat accumulates in the liver. Visceral fat’s direct drainage into the liver through the portal vein makes it a key contributor to NAFLD, which is highly prevalent in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. NAFLD can progress to more severe liver damage and further increases the risk of diabetes complications.
Visceral fat also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. The inflammatory substances and fatty acids released by visceral fat harm blood vessels and contribute to conditions like high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Managing visceral fat is important not only for diabetes control but also for reducing the broader spectrum of associated health risks.