What causes diabetes – the risk factors

The risk factors for diabetes, mainly what causes diabetes mellitus type 2 are explored since it is the most common form of diabetes. Though it is difficult to pinpoint what causes diabetes as it is not any single factor that can be responsible but can be a combination of factors as well.

• Family history of diabetes mellitus
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity (Sedentary lifestyle)
• Race and ethnicity
• Pre-diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Hypertension
• HDL Cholesterol (High density Lipoproteins)
• Polycystic Ovaries (PCOD or PCOS)
• History of premature heart disease
• Metabolic Syndrome
  

Family history of diabetes

When both parents suffer from type 2 diabetes their children have a 90% chance of developing type 2 diabetes if they live long enough.

Possibility of developing diabetes due to family history

• Both parents suffer from type 2 diabetes > 90% risk
• Both parents have type 1 diabetes, the risk for the child is 1 in 10
• If the father has type 1 diabetes, the risk to his child is 1 in 17
• When the mother (age less than 25 years) has type 1 diabetes, the risk to her child is 1 in 25
• If the mother (age is greater than 25 years) has type 1 diabetes, the risk to her child is 1 in 100

Obesity

Obesity is closely connected with type 2 diabetes. If the body mass index (BMI) is greater than 25  kg/m2, you are likely to be predisposed to type 2 diabetes.

Physical inactivity

Sedentary life with little or no physical activity often precipitates type 2 diabetes in individuals who are prone to developing diabetes mellitus.

Race and ethnicity

Many races show an increased possibility of developing type 2 diabetes as compared to others. Overall, Indians are more prone due to abdominal obesity or “potbelly” which means they have a larger waistline compared to people of other ethnicities. Pima Indians are also a race predisposed to developing type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG), Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) or and HbA1c (Glycosylated hemoglobin) levels of 5.7 – 6.4% most often due to a faulty lifestyle, choice of diabetic unfriendly foods and irregular eating pattern

Gestational diabetes

If there is a history of GDM or delivery of a large baby above 3.5 kgs

Hypertension

High blood pressure levels above 140/ 90 mm Hg over a prolonged period of time

HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol levels less than 40 mg/ dl in males and less than 50 mg/dl in females and/or triglyceride levels greater than 250 mg/ dl

Polycystic Ovaries

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in females or acanthosis nigricans

History of premature cardiovascular disease

History of premature heart disease is also a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. We have explored what causes diabetes in this article. Let us explore what we can do to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Tips to control diabetes risk

• Lose weight to keep your BMI within your desired range after consulting a qualified nutritionist or dietitian.
• Stay physically active. Fit India Movement has been started by PM Narendra Modi ji to encourage Indians to get moving and stay fit
• Reduce your waistlines as high tummy fat increases insulin resistance and risk for diabetes.
• Watch what you eat. Avoid CRAP unhealthy foods.
• Always eat a healthy breakfast. Do not skip meals.
• Include protein rich and fibre rich foods.
• Eat a heart healthy diet and keep blood pressure under control.
• Sleep well for at least 7-9 hours at night.
• Manage your stress.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Test your blood sugar levels regularly – Diabetes screening tests are important.

About Author

Pallavi Pinge is a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian | Content Director & Editor for health websites | has a passion for digital health and enjoys promoting health and wellness. She’s the founder and director of Ambrosia Wellness, where she provides personalized nutrition counseling, education, and coaching to individuals with various health conditions.  You can follow her on her social media channels below to stay tuned in with the latest in health and wellness | Health Blog | Contact her for appointments |