What are the risk factors of type 2 diabetes?

By Daily news Reporter

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and exercise and diet, along with medication, can help people manage it. There are two types of risk factors: some you can modify, and some you might not be able to modify. The generally non-modifiable risk factors include:

Family history of the disease race: African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, or Pacific Islanders all have a higher risk for type 2 diabetes being over 45 years old a history of gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy depression having a baby that weighs over 9 pounds at birth having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Some typically modifiable or preventable risk factors include:

A sedentary lifestyle with little to no exercise

Hypertension, or high blood pressure

Obesity or being overweight

Heart or blood vessel disease and stroke

Low levels of “good” cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL)

High levels of the fats called triglycerides

An unhealthy diet

Sometimes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors listed as modifiable can be hereditary or a result of other health conditions that cannot be avoided. However, experts say healthy diet changes and managing your modifiable risk factors can benefit anyone.

How does diet affect type 2 diabetes risk?

According to Dr Kelvin Kaunda (name Changed due to privacy) said that before the 1960s, type 2 diabetes was not nearly as common, but mass production of processed food had a huge impact on the global rates of the condition.

“Its prevalence surged with the global adoption of the Western diet rich in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and animal proteins, contributing to the widespread rise in obesity and diabetes. Factors like familial dietary habits passed down through generations and socioeconomic conditions affecting access to diabetes-promoting foods also play significant roles in its development,” Dr Kaunda said.

"Diets high in refined sugars, processed foods, and animal proteins (high in saturated fats), typical of many Western countries, have been linked to higher rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In fact, we’ve seen the onset of diabetes emerge in countries like Mexico, China, and India after beginning to adopt Western eating styles.”

Dr.Kaunda added that Type 2 diabetes primarily stems from diet and lifestyle choices influenced by the widespread availability of processed foods and the promotion and glorification of unhealthy habits. Despite this understanding, it’s often perceived in healthcare circles as a lifelong condition necessitating medication.

While medications are vital for some, many individuals can effectively modify or even reverse this condition through dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes, often reducing or eliminating their need for medications over time,” Dr. Kaunda said.

 “Encouragingly, healthy habits can be passed down through generations, highlighting the critical importance of early nutrition education and government-led initiatives to ensure all communities can access and afford nutritious foods. These efforts should be central in research and health discussions surrounding type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions influenced by diet and lifestyle choices.” He added.