Diabetes Type 2: Risk Factors

Diabetes  is a chronic condition which affects how the body turns food into energy. Normally, when food is consumed, it is converted into a sugar called glucose and the hormone insulin is released to turn this blood sugar into energy¹.

In diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin (type 1) or the insulin does not function normally (type 2). As a result, diabetes is commonly associated with elevated blood sugar levels which lead to a variety of abnormal functions in the body. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss, dizziness, stroke, kidney disease and nervous system problems.

There are many types of diabetes but the most common one is type 2 which tends to affect people around the age of 45. According to idf.org in 2019, around 465 million people were affected with type 2 diabetes and this number is predicted to hit 700 million by the year 2045². Since diabetes type 2 is considered a lifestyle disease, it has certain key risk factors that increase the chances of developing it.

Nutrition  

Healthy nutrition is key for monitoring diabetes and preventing its onset. A recommended diet for prevention of diabetes is filled with lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and unsaturated. This is necessary to prevent excessive weight gain and also to provide sufficient nutrients for physiological functions to work properly. Correctly sized portions and regular meal times will also help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Physical Activity  

An inactive and sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for diabetes. This kind of lifestyle is very easy to fall into, and particularly risky for people who have stressful jobs or familial diabetes. Regular physical activity in the form of brisk walking, yoga or stretching for thirty minutes a day has shown to reduce diabetes risk and associated cardiovascular problems³.

Smoking  

Smoking is widely acknowledged as a key trigger for diabetes: in fact, smokers are 30-40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes⁴. Smoking increases risk because nicotine can cause hardening and constriction of blood vessels resulting in blood circulation problems.

Nicotine has also been associated with reduced insulin production and insulin is necessary for regulation of glucose level in blood. Smoking should be given up as soon as possible as there is hope for reversing diabetes type 2 symptoms if they are noticed early enough. Studies have found insulin to become more effective at lowering blood sugar levels just eight weeks after you quit smoking.

Alcohol  

The weight gain associated with alcohol results in cells becoming unresponsive to insulin and leads to blood glucose levels rising uncontrollably. There are guidelines for drinking alcohol: 14 units (equivalent of 6 glasses of wine) a week spread over at least 3 days are recommended to minimise risk of developing type 2 diabetes⁵.

Hydration  

Dehydration can cause fatigue which can lead to poorer lifestyle choices; as well as blood thickening and improper circulation which increase severity of diabetic symptoms. Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining the right volume of blood and concentration of blood glucose.

Sleep 

Sleep disturbances can negatively affect circadian rhythm (the body's 24 hour biological clock) and negatively affects the endocrine system. This results in improper insulin and other digestive hormone production that often lead to elevated weight. Sleep problems also lead to fatigue which brings about subsequent poor lifestyle choices that put you at higher risk of diabetes.

Weight/BMI  

Obesity (BMI over 30) is a number one risk factor for diabetes type 2. In fact it accounts for 80-85% of the risk of developing the condition, and obese indivuduals are 80 times more likely to have diabetes than an invidual with a BMI under 22⁶.

Over-consumption of food makes cells in your body less receptive to insulin over time. This is known as insulin resistance and means your body struggles to naturally get your blood sugar levels down to a healthy range after eating.

Obesity can also cause additional problems related to high levels of blood cholesterol (unhealthy fat) which are correlated with cardiovascular problems and high blood pressure as it blocks blood vessels. These can further increase your likelihood of developing diabetes type 2.

Sex Assigned at Birth  

Studies have shown that people assigned the male sex at birth are more likely to get diabetes⁷. This is because of positional obesity that puts them at a higher risk of contracting insulin resistance. However, those assigned female at birth tend to suffer more severe complications from the condition and are more susceptible to certain risk factors, in particular alcohol consumption.

Conclusion 

There are several risk factors associated with diabetes, and since many are lifestyle related there are many ways you can prevent the disease. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet, following an active lifestyle and limiting stress, alcohol and smoking minimise risk of developing diabetes type 2. Even a small change can make a huge difference.