It is.

But this article from Medical News Today explicitly says that weight gain is a “common symptom of diabetes.”

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325328#diabetes-and-weight-gain

And while controlling the weight gain helps, understanding that it is a *symptom* makes a huge difference. Part of the issue is that studies have seen a correlation…and assumed a causation. Another part is that obesity can cause insulin resistance…we’re talking a feedback cycle here.

Here’s one: https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20180216/fasting-insulin-insulin-resistance-may-predict-weight-gain-over-10-years

It appears it may not be insulin resistance per se, but rather excess of insulin. When you have insulin resistance, your pancreas desperately tries to correct it by producing more and more insulin. Having too much insulin seems to cause weight gain. Starting insulin treatment can also cause a spike in weight.

Part of my mother’s issue was also that she badly injured her back because nobody ever taught her how to lift correctly, and developed degenerative spine problems that made it harder to exercise, harder still as she put on weight, and hey presto, we have another feedback cycle.

Personally, I think it is far more important to be as active as your health allows than to worry about your weight. Fat shaming makes it hard for overweight people to get active because they are mocked when they exercise. Sigh.