Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition often influenced by certain factors. Understanding the risk factors of Type 2 Diabetes is a gift to yourself – it’s the first step towards prevention and early intervention. The predisposing risk factors are generally categorised into modifiable and non-modifiable factors.
This simply means that some risk factors can be treated or controlled, while others are beyond your control. Here’s a handy guide to help you understand all the possible risk factors associated with Type 2 Diabetes.
Modifiable Risk Factors
Modifiable risk factors are those you can actively treat or manage through lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and preventive measures.
1. Unhealthy Diet
Diets high in refined sugars and saturated fats might delight your taste buds, but they don’t do any favors for your health. Regular consumption of processed foods can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. A balanced diet with whole foods, fiber, and healthy fats can safeguard your health effectively.
2. Physical Inactivity
A sedentary lifestyle reduces insulin sensitivity, slows down metabolism, and can lead to weight gain. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can improve glucose metabolism and reduce risk.
3. Excessive Weight
Excessive weight gain is unwelcome at any age! Being overweight, particularly with excess fat around the abdomen, increases the risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. The good news is that even modest weight loss can significantly reduce this risk.
4. Stress
Chronic stress can elevate blood sugar levels by increasing the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, prolonged stress may lead to insulin resistance, making the body’s cells less responsive to insulin and resulting in higher blood sugar levels. To manage stress effectively, consider coping mechanisms such as relaxation therapy, meditation, or yoga. Additionally, ensuring adequate sleep plays a vital role in reducing stress and preventing blood sugar spikes.
5. Smoking
Smoking is considered detrimental for your overall health. Loaded with Nicotine and chemical content, cigarette smoking induces internal inflammation and interferes with insulin production & absorption. This leads to elevated blood sugar levels and development of Type 2 Diabetes.
6. Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption is an addiction and can reduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This leads to insulin resistance, thereby triggering Type 2 Diabetes. Chronic heavy drinking can also contribute to poor dietary habits, liver damage, and metabolic changes.
7. Sleep Deprivation
Your body recuperates and heals when you get a good night’s sleep. When you get inadequate or poor-quality sleep, it affects your glucose metabolism. This considerably increases your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Non-modifiable Risk Factors
Non-modifiable risk factors are beyond your control and cannot be altered due to lifestyle changes. Your best bet is to go for an early screening test if you have a family history of diabetes.
1. Age
Though Type 2 Diabetes can be diagnosed at any age, the risk is known to increase with age. Individuals over 45 are more susceptible due to the age related decline in muscle mass and metabolism.
2. Genetic Predisposition
Genetics play an important role in determining if you are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. If your parents or siblings are battling this condition, you are more likely to develop it. So if you have a family history of diabetes, be extra alert once you cross the threshold age of 45.
3. Ethnicity
Some ethnic groups like Africans, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. This happens to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
4. Gender
Though Type 2 Diabetes can affect just anyone, studies show that women with a history of gestational diabetes or PCOS may be at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Additionally, hormonal imbalance that is quite common in women also acts as a contributing catalyst and triggers the condition.
5. Gestational Diabetes
Women who developed gestational diabetes during their pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life. This is due to insulin resistance.
To conclude, understanding the predisposing factors of Type 2 Diabetes is the first step towards taking a proactive approach towards preventing its incidence. It is in your hands to mitigate the modifiable risk factors and undergo early screening for non-modifiable risk factors. That is a surefire way to ensure your overall well-being.
