Doctor: Abdominal obesity can trigger insulin resistance, diabetes
New: GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy and dual incretin treatment may help patients with type 2 diabetes who are also obese.
Metabolic and diabetes endocrinology consultant Prof. Sidartawan Soegondo warned that obesity, especially fat buildup in the abdominal area, can trigger insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus. At the Diabetes Connection Care event in Bintaro, Tangerang Selatan, on Saturday, he explained that the condition makes body tissues less responsive to insulin, forcing the pancreas to work harder to keep blood sugar levels under control. Over time, the pancreas’ ability can decline and glucose levels can continue to rise. Sidartawan stressed that obesity is not merely about body weight or shape, but a risk factor for metabolic disease. Treatment still begins with diet and physical activity, but in certain cases doctors may prescribe medication, including GLP-1 receptor agonist and dual incretin therapy.