It’s caused by problems with a chemical in the body (hormone) called insulin. It’s often linked to being overweight or inactive, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Can you just develop type 2 diabetes?
Who is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes? – You can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. However, type 2 diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are age 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes, or are overweight or have obesity,
- Diabetes is more common in people who are African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
- Physical inactivity and certain health problems such as high blood pressure affect your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
- You are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes or had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant.
Learn more about risk factors for type 2 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people.
What is the main cause of diabetes type?
The role of glucose – Glucose — a sugar — is a source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues.
Glucose comes from two major sources: food and the liver. Sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it enters cells with the help of insulin. The liver stores and makes glucose. When glucose levels are low, such as when you haven’t eaten in a while, the liver breaks down stored glycogen into glucose. This keeps your glucose level within a typical range.
The exact cause of most types of diabetes is unknown. In all cases, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This is because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of genetic or environmental factors. It is unclear what those factors may be.
Can you stop type 2 diabetes early?
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented? – Yes! You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with proven, achievable lifestyle changes—such as losing a small amount of weight and getting more physically active—even if you’re at high risk. Read on to find out about CDC’s lifestyle change program and how you can join.
Can you live with untreated type 2 diabetes?
Untreated diabetes can lead to long-term complications or even death. In people with type 2 diabetes, these complications can include heart disease, kidney damage, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), or vision loss. The situation is more urgent for people with type 1 diabetes.
Without insulin, they can develop a potentially fatal condition called diabetic ketoacidosis in as little as a few hours. Sometimes, diabetes goes untreated because it hasn’t been diagnosed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 7.2 million Americans have undiagnosed diabetes.
Other times, someone with diabetes doesn’t take the necessary steps to manage the condition. This article discusses the signs of untreated diabetes, the effects on the body that lead to long-term complications, and whether those complications can be reversed.
What lifestyle causes type 2 diabetes?
Sedentary lifestyle – If you spend long periods of time sitting,(this does not include sleeping) this is known as a ‘sedentary’ lifestyle. Being sedentary is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. It is important to remember that even if you do the recommended amount of exercise per week you can still have a sedentary lifestyle.
Working at a desk for long periods without standing upSitting down while studying at school or homeSitting or lying down while watching television or playing video games.Sitting while driving a vehicle, or while travelling
You should try to break periods of sitting as often as possible, by doing some light activity such as walking. If you sit at a desk or screen all day try some chair based exercises, Also aim to build light activity in to your day, here’s some ideas:
Go and speak to colleagues instead of sending an emailTake regular breaks to get a glass of waterHave walking meetingsWalk part of your journey or park a bit further from the building
How can you prevent type 2 diabetes?
Beyond individual behavior – Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable by taking several simple steps: keeping weight under control, exercising more, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking. Yet it is clear that the burden of behavior change cannot fall entirely on individuals.
Is type 2 diabetes caused by eating too much sugar?
Does sugar cause diabetes? – There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We know that sugar does not cause type 1 diabetes, nor is it caused by anything else in your lifestyle. In type 1 diabetes, the insulin producing cells in your pancreas are destroyed by your immune system.
With type 2 diabetes, the answer is a little more complex. Though we know sugar doesn’t directly cause type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to get it if you are overweight. You gain weight when you take in more calories than your body needs, and sugary foods and drinks contain a lot of calories. So you can see if too much sugar is making you put on weight, then you are increasing your risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
But type 2 diabetes is complex, and sugar is unlikely to be the only reason the condition develops. We also know that sugar sweetened drinks, like canned soft drinks, are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and this is not necessarily linked to their effect on body weight.