According to ScienceDaily, a Loyola University Health System study has found that one out of five type 2 diabetics is morbidly obese — approximately 100 pounds or more overweight.

Researchers reported that 62.4 percent of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes are obese, and 20.7 percent are morbidly obese. Among African American adults with type 2 diabetes, 1 in 3 is morbidly obese.

The reasearchers, headed by Dr. Holly Kramer, examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys completed during the years 1976 to 2006. Between the survey periods 1976-1980 and 2005-2006, there was a 141 percent increase in the rate of morbid obesity among adults with type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. Between 1976 and 2006, the average BMI of type 2 diabetics increased 17 percent, to 34.2. The average BMI of adults without type 2 diabetes increased 11.5 percent to 28.1. (A BMI of 25 or more is considered overweight.)

Diabetics already are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, and obesity further increases this risk, especially among women. Obesity also increases other diabetes complications, including end-stage kidney disease.