Identify the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and the lifestyle choices that can help you reduce that risk.
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Reply Anjali Persaud Apr 6 2:16amManage Discussion by Anjali Persaud Reply from Anjali Persaud
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs in someone when their body is not able to use insulin adequately, and as a result, sugar builds up in the body (Mayo Clinic, 2025). Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas that regulates sugar levels in the body. A healthy blood sugar level, or a glucose level, is 70-99 mg/dL. Type 2 diabetes happens when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin for the body or simply is not able to correctly use it; not to be confused with type 1 diabetes, which is where “an autoimmune attack on your pancreas results in a total lack of insulin production” (Cleveland Clinic, 2025). If not treated, type 2 diabetes can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Symptoms of type two diabetes include, but are not limited to, thirst, constant urination, hunger, frequent infections, numbness in hands or feet, and patches of darkened skin on the body. There are multiple risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including obesity, physical inactivity (or a very sedentary lifestyle), eating unhealthy foods such as highly processed high carbohydrates and saturated fats, and smoking. This condition can also be caused by genetics and stress. “Your lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes is 40% if you have one biological parent with type 2 diabetes and 70% if both of your biological parents have it” (Cleveland Clinic, 2025). Additionally, this condition is commonly associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, this disease is preventable if the right measures and treatment are taken. These measures are as simple as eating healthier foods, incorporating a more active lifestyle and exercising, losing weight, and medications such as Metformin and Ozempic (Mayo Clinic, 2025). Excess body weight increases insulin resistance, so aiming for a body mass index (BMI) between 18 and 24 is helpful, as well as managing stress levels because chronic stress tends to raise blood sugar levels.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2025, February 27). Type 2 diabetes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
Type 2 diabetes. Cleveland Clinic. (2025a, March 19).
