Diabetes - Risk Factors

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  • Diabetes - Risk Factors

  • The main risk factors for T2DM are:
    • Family history

      The influence of genetics on T2DM is very complex and poorly understood. However, a number of candidate genes have been identified.  First degree relatives of individuals with T2DM are about three times more likely to develop the disease than individuals without a family history of T2DM.
    • Obesity

      Obesity is considered to be second only to genetic predisposition as a risk factor for developing T2DM. In general, the epidemic of obesity is a consequence of a largely sedentary lifestyle with easy access to an abundance of energy-rich, processed foods. The incidence of T2DM in children and adolescents is increasing due to the increasing incidence of obesity within these age groups.
      Defects in lipid metabolism in obese patients may be responsible for the development of T2DM. Lipids interfere with signaling processes crucial to the correct functioning of insulin.

    • Diabetes - Risk Factors

      • Race/ethnicity:

        Exactly why there should be such variation is not fully understood, but it is likely to be a multi-factorial process together with genetic and environmental elements.
      • Age:

        T2DM can develop at any age. Typically, the prevalence of T2DM increases with age and one reason why this disease is such a rapidly growing problem is the aging population. 
      • Environmental pollutants

        There is a relationship between the presence of certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the prevalence of T2DM. Obesity may exaggerate the metabolic disturbances that POPs are thought to cause.
      • History of gestational diabetes mellitus or poor nutrition during pregnancy affecting the developing child.
      • Hypertension 
        (>140/90 mmHg)
      • Dyslipidaemia
    •  
      References:
      IDF ATLAS:  www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/what-is-diabetes

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