What is Diabetic Belly?

Here at Virta Health, we believe all bodies are beautiful, and there's no reason to feel ashamed of a little paunch. But excess abdominal fat can be more than a cosmetic concern. It may be a sign of increased visceral fat—sometimes referred to as "diabetic belly"—which is closely linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. (This is different from diabetic gastroparesis, a digestive complication that is also sometimes called "diabetic belly.")

The good news? Like type 2 diabetes, excess visceral fat can often be reversed. Take Adam, a Virta member who lost 40 pounds of abdominal fat and shrank his waist by 12 inches in just seven months. If you're wondering how to reduce diabetic belly fat, here's what you need to know.‍

What is diabetic belly? 

Heads up: the term "diabetic belly" or "diabetes belly" can be a little confusing, because it not only refers to the belly fat you might grow around your paunch if you have type 2 diabetes, but excessive abdominal fat in general even when you aren't living with diabetes.‍

Why is it so confusing? It all comes down to visceral fat.‍

Visceral fat is a type of belly fat located deep within your abdomen. It surrounds your organs, including your intestines, stomach and liver. The size around your middle roughly correlates with the amount of visceral fat you have. The difference between visceral fat vs. subcutaneous fat (which sits just below your skin) is that visceral fat is not only harder to lose, but increases your risk of stroke, heart disease, breast cancer, risk of dying early and--you got it--diabetes.‍

So does diabetes cause a large belly? Yes and no. They both share the same root cause of insulin resistance. If you have excessive abdominal fat, you're more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. At the same time, if you have type 2 diabetes, you're more likely to gain visceral fat, because your pancreas has gone into overdrive making insulin to overcome your body's built-up resistance.‍

And what does insulin do? You guessed it: promote fat storage while lowering elevated blood sugar.‍

Diabetic Belly FAQs

What are the symptoms of diabetic belly?

Symptoms of diabetic belly can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some people experience persistent abdominal bloating, fullness, stomach pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or a feeling that food sits in the stomach for too long. These symptoms may be related to diabetes-related digestive complications, such as gastroparesis.

What does diabetic belly feel like?

Diabetic belly may feel like ongoing bloating, abdominal swelling, fullness after eating only a small amount, or discomfort in the stomach. Some people also experience cramping, nausea, or a heavy feeling after meals. If symptoms are persistent, it's important to discuss them with a healthcare provider.

Does belly fat increase the risk of diabetes?

Yes. Excess abdominal (visceral) fat is associated with insulin resistance, a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Carrying more weight around the waist is linked to a higher risk of diabetes than carrying fat in other areas of the body.

Can you get rid of diabetic belly?

Yes. If diabetic belly is caused by excess visceral fat, losing weight through sustainable lifestyle changes can help reduce abdominal fat and improve insulin sensitivity. Eating a nutritious diet, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can all support belly fat loss and better blood sugar control. Because visceral fat and type 2 diabetes can reinforce one another, addressing both together can help break the cycle.

Can losing weight or belly fat decrease the risk of diabetes?

Yes. Losing excess weight, especially visceral fat around the abdomen, can improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Even modest weight loss of 5% to 10% of body weight has been shown to significantly reduce diabetes risk in people with prediabetes or other risk factors.

The takeaway

Especially if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, diabetic belly or excessive abdominal weight gain is  a sign that your body is building up too much visceral fat, which is a sign of more serious underlying issues which can lead to other health problems down the line. But we can help.

Over the years, Virta Health has helped thousands of people with type 2 diabetes lead healthier lifestyles. By becoming a member, you can regain control of your health and feel like yourself by making healthy lifestyle changes in a medical setting with supportive resources like 1:1 virtual coaching. See if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.