Visceral Adipose Tissue: The Hidden Culprit for Type 2 Diabetes

14th Nov, 2025

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance
in various tissues. Though conventionally associated with obesity, current research indicates that
visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is the leading determining factor, wielding more influence regardless of
individual body mass. The heightened metabolic activity of VAT encourages the circulation of free
fatty acid (FFA) molecules, which induce insulin resistance in surrounding tissues. Individuals most
vulnerable to this preferential fat deposition are older males with ancestral ties to Asian countries
because genetics and sex hormones are pivotal factors for VAT accumulation. However, interventions
in one’s diet and lifestyle have the potential to strategically discourage the growth of VAT. This
illuminates the possibility that the expansion of VAT and, subsequently, the risk of T2D development
are preventable. Therefore, by reducing the amount of VAT accumulated in an individual and
preventing it from building up, one can effectively control and prevent the development of T2D.