The likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes depends on various risk factors. You can control these factors to prevent the risk of developing diabetes.
If you are overweight, you may be at risk for type 2 diabetes. A study found that overweight people are more likely to develop diabetes than people with lower BMIs.
However, weight is not the only factor that contributes to diabetes. Certain behaviors, such as physical inactivity, are also risk factors. One of the best ways to treat type 2 diabetes is by adjusting your diet and lifestyle habits.
Age is also a risk factor. Type 2 diabetes is rare before age 30, but its incidence increases dramatically as people age.
If you want to know more about type 2 diabetes risk factors, continue reading.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
People who have type 2 diabetes are not able to produce or use insulin in their bodies. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Without enough insulin, the body cannot process glucose, which causes sugar to build up in the blood. This high blood sugar level is harmful to the body and leads to various complications. With this, you may need to buy medication online for a medical prescription to improve blood sugar control while also decreasing the risk of major cardiovascular events.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to complications like kidney failure, heart and blood vessel diseases, nerve damage, eye damage, skin conditions, sleep apnea, etc. In addition, people with this disease are more likely to develop fatigue and difficulty performing daily tasks.
Lifestyle changes and eating a balanced diet can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Increasing physical activity, losing weight, and avoiding sugary and salty foods are important steps in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. Talk to your doctor for more advice.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Many factors are associated with an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes. These include age, family history, and being overweight. You can control some risk factors to avoid getting type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes
People who have prediabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the future. The first step to determining whether you have prediabetes is getting a blood test. This simple test measures blood sugar levels. The test can show whether you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Once diagnosed, you can take steps to manage your condition and prevent further complications. If you have prediabetes, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle and diet. This condition can lead to type 2 diabetes if you don’t control your blood sugar levels.
Obesity
Being overweight and inactive are both known risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Being overweight is also related to unhealthy eating habits, including the intake of too much fat and simple carbohydrates. People who are overweight and obese are at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes. Obesity increases insulin resistance, which leads to high blood sugar levels. Obesity is also known to increase fatty acid levels and inflammation. These factors can make a person more prone to type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90 percent of all cases.
Age
If you are 45 years or older, you may be at increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Age is a significant risk factor in type 2 diabetes, which begins with insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone the body produces to help glucose enter cells, but over time, the body is unable to make enough of it. As a result, blood glucose levels increase. People over 45 are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than younger people.
Family History
Family history is an important aetiological factor for type 2 diabetes. There is evidence that people with close family members have a higher risk of developing the disease. If you have a family history of diabetes, it is important to get tested. A family history of diabetes has a positive association with type 2 diabetes incidence, but the extent of this association varies between countries. The risk is higher in individuals with more than one affected relative.
Lack of Physical Activity
According to a recent study, physical inactivity is linked to a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. Physical inactivity and obesity interact with each other to increase the risk of diabetes. Together, these two factors account for 29.4% of the overall risk of diabetes, while each of them has a small, independent effect. These results suggest that prevention of both risk factors may decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy-related diabetes is a major medical issue. Type 2 diabetes is more likely to strike women with gestational diabetes in the future. Thankfully, modifying one’s lifestyle can help prevent gestational diabetes. Women can lower their risk by increasing their physical activity and eating healthy foods. Every one to two years, the American Diabetes Association advises type 2 diabetes screening. Women with a history of gestational diabetes ought to get annual testing.
Ethnicity
Although the prevalence of diabetes in the general population is fairly similar among different ethnic groups, research has shown that American Indians, Hispanics, Latinos, and Pacific Islanders have higher rates of diabetes than whites. Other groups with a higher risk of developing the disease include African-Americans and Asian Americans. While there is no definitive link between race and diabetes, some evidence suggests that ethnicity may be a factor.
What Is the Main Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes?
While type 2 diabetes has many causes, the main factors that lead to its development are lifestyle and obesity. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is mostly associated with being overweight or obese.
People with a higher BMI are more likely to develop the disease than those with a normal weight. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about other ways to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Another main factor that increases the risk of developing diabetes is a family history. If either parent or sibling has diabetes, the likelihood is even higher. Other risks include age and certain races.
Can Healthy People Get Type 2 Diabetes?
Yes, it is possible for healthy people to get type 2 diabetes. While it is rare, there are many other risk factors that increase the chances of getting type 2 diabetes.
People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing this disease. However, age, genetics, and family history can also cause diabetes. Because of this reason, it is best to check your blood sugar annually.
