You may know what Type 2 diabetes is and are aware of some of its complications. What you may not know, or have a limited understanding of, is who develops this form of diabetes or who is more likely to become afflicted.
First, let us start by eliminating the most obvious option, which is not everyone develops Type 2 diabetes. Coincidences aside, this means some people are more likely to become afflicted than others. Which leads us to…
Some racial, ethnic, and age groups have higher rates of diabetes than others. We ought, to begin with, look at the factors already predetermined. Unfortunately, some people are by nature more at risk than others because of their background and family history. Statistics show…
- anyone over the age of 55,
- anyone over 45 with a weight problem
- any woman who had high blood sugar levels during pregnancy,
- African-Americans,
- Latinos,
- Native Americans,
- any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander,
- anyone from the Pacific Islands, Indian sub-continent, or of
- Chinese and Middle Eastern cultural background,
are more at risk. Family history is also correlated with a higher risk.Fortunately, these uncontrollable factors play a small role in the development of the disease. Let us talk about the major ones…
Unhealthy eating habits. Anyone who eats unhealthy food is more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. If the carbohydrate intake is excessive and is combined with poor food choices, it is a sure recipe for blood sugar problems in the future. Those who do have high blood sugar levels always have a food issue – Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease and does not afflict anyone who has a healthy lifestyle, barring rare exceptions.
Physical inactivity. Those who are physically inactive are more at risk. It is not that physical inactivity alone causes Type 2 diabetes, but it facilitates its development, especially when you consider most people who are sedentary are also likely to have poor diets. Combine the two, and you have the recipe for blood sugar complications.
Harmful eating habits and being inactive often mean the development of another health problem, which is…
Obesity. Many adults are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and the majority are overweight or obese. The relationship between these issues is clear.
Who gets diabetes? Technically, those with poor eating habits tend to develop the disease, but that is the broader cause. The symptom of this is usually obesity, which can be easily identified, so it might be easier to respond by starting with those who are overweight or obese develop Type 2 diabetes.
By extension, anyone who leads an unhealthy lifestyle will be vulnerable to the disease as well. However, this can be seen as the culmination of all we have talked about. One thing is for sure: those who lead a healthy lifestyle which includes nutrition and activity habits, are the least likely to develop problems with their blood sugar levels.
So, are you at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or have your recently been diagnosed? In any case, you know what you must do for prevention or treatment.
Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.
