Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which our body has problems controlling and using glucose. It is a chronic disease that can cause excessive blood sugar to circulate. Gradually, high blood sugar levels can cause problems with blood circulation, nerves and the immune system. Type 2 diabetes is commonly known as onset diabetes in adults, but type 1 and type 2 diabetes can start in both childhood and adulthood. There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but weight loss, healthy eating and regular exercise can help you manage the symptoms.
Onlymyhealth has a ‘started’The focus of the month’s campaign, So that every month we will highlight stories with insights from various subject matter experts And, this month’s focus will be on ‘healthy living’. Diabetes is a chronic condition that people have been battling for years and it is important to manage it for a healthy lifestyle. So, to cover it under this month’s focus, our team has spoken Dr. Priyamvada Tyagi, Consultant – Endocrinologist, Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Hospital, Patparganj, Learn about the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually start to show slowly and gradually. In addition, you may have been living with type 2 diabetes for years and may not even be aware of it. According to Dr. Priyambad, here are the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes:
1. Obesity
Being overweight or obese is one of the major risks of diabetes. But, it is a variable factor like other unchangeable factors like family history. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and research suggests that most people develop this chronic disease for this reason alone. It is important to control your weight to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
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2. Family history
If your parents or siblings have type 2 diabetes, the risk of type 2 diabetes is also higher. This is an irreversible factor. People with three or more diabetic relatives who have no family history are about 15 times more likely to develop diabetes.
3. Inactivity
Inactivity is a major cause of obesity, so it can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes. The less active you are, the higher your risk. Physical activity plays a key role in optimal weight management, using glucose levels as energy and even making your cells more sensitive to insulin.
4. Smoking
Smokers are 30-40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Smoking can even make it more difficult to control the symptoms and control insulin levels due to the high levels of nicotine. This can reduce the effectiveness of insulin, which is why heavy smokers need more insulin to control their blood sugar levels.
5. Age
As you grow older, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases, especially after the age of 45. People of this age or older should take the necessary steps to prevent this health condition, such as daily, light to moderate exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.
6. Risks related to pregnancy
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher if you get gestational diabetes during pregnancy or if you give birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg. After your baby is born, your blood sugar levels return to normal. However, in some women, it can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes.
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7. PCOS
Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or PCOD is also associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. PCOS is a common condition where women suffer from irregular menstruation, excessive hair growth and obesity and these are rare causes that increase the risk of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes affects many important organs including your heart, blood vessels, eyes, nerves and kidneys. In fact, factors that may increase your risk of diabetes may increase your chances of developing other serious chronic conditions. Managing diabetes and stabilizing your blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of these complications or existing health conditions.