Obesity in people living with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Although type 1 diabetes is traditionally considered a disease of lean people, overweight and obesity are becoming increasingly more common in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Non-physiological insulin replacement that causes peripheral hyperinsulinaemia, insulin profiles that do not match basal and mealtime insulin needs, defensive snacking to avoid hypoglycaemia, or a combination of these, are believed to affect body composition and drive excessive accumulation of body fat in people with type 1 diabetes. The consequences of overweight or obesity in people with type 1 diabetes are of particular concern, as they increase the risk of both diabetes-related and obesity-related complications, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and various types of cancer. In this Review, we summarise the current understanding of the aetiology and consequences of excessive bodyweight in people with type 1 diabetes and highlight the need to optimise future prevention and treatment strategies in this population.