Health professionals and researchers classify obesity as a global epidemic due to its worldwide prevalence and significant impact on public health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were considered overweight and more than 650 million were classified as obese. These statistics affect individuals of all genders, ages, nationalities and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Obesity is a condition where a person has too much body fat. Type 2 diabetes is a health condition that affects how the body processes sugar (glucose) for energy. In type 2 diabetes, a person's body either doesn't produce sufficient insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream.
There is a strong connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes. When a person is obese, their body fat can interfere with normal insulin functioning, making it harder for their cells to use glucose. Over time, the pancreas may be challenged to keep up with the increased demand for insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels can rise, resulting in type 2 diabetes.
Being overweight or obese may significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise are critical components of managing both disorders. Both obesity and type 2 diabetes can often be managed or prevented through healthy lifestyle choices, including consuming a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
PCOM faculty, staff and student researchers are conducting epidemiological, behavioral, dietary, physiological, pharmacological and molecular analyses to identify vulnerable populations and risk factors for developing diabetes. The goal of this research is to identify approaches to reduce obesity and diabetes, and produce healthy lifestyle changes across populations.
PCOM Georgia biomedical sciences student studied the potential anti-obesity effects of a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT).
Fourth year medical students Samantha Drew and Brittanie Young explored if weight-loss surgery prior to conception may lead to less risk for both mother and child than giving birth while morbidly obese.
Dr. Mandy Reece highlights the need for customized diabetes care, focusing on patient empowerment, simplified regimens, mental health, and new tech solutions.
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.
