Diabetes is a complex condition. Several factors must come together for you to developtype 2 diabetes.
For example, environmental factors such as havingobesityor a sedentary lifestyle play a role.Geneticscan also influence whether you’ll get this disease.
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 2diabetes, there’s a good chance that you’re not the first person with diabetesin your family. You’remore likelyto develop the condition if a parent or sibling has it.
Several gene mutationshave been linkedto the development of type 2 diabetes. These gene mutations can interact with the environment and each other to further increase your risk.
2型糖尿病是causedby bothgenetic and environmental factors.
Scientists have linked several gene mutations to a higher diabetes risk. Not everyone who carries a mutation will get diabetes. However, many people with diabetes do have one or more of these mutations.
It can be difficult to separate genetic risk from environmental risk. The latter is often influenced by your family members. For example, parents withnutrient-dense and balanced eating habitsare likely to pass them on to the next generation.
On the other hand, genetics plays a big part in determining weight. Sometimes behaviors can’t take all the blame.
Studies of twinssuggest that type 2 diabetes might be linked to genetics. These studies were complicated by the environmental influences that also affect type 2 diabetes risk.
To date, numerous mutations have been shown to affect type 2 diabetes risk. The contribution of each gene is generally small. However, each additional mutation you have seems to increase your risk.
In general, mutations in any gene involved in controllingglucose levelscan increase your risk for type 2 diabetes. These include genes that control:
- the production ofglucose
- the production and regulation ofinsulin
- how glucose levels are sensed in the body
Genes associated with type 2 diabetes risk include:
- TCF7L2, which affectsinsulin secretionand glucose production
- ABCC8, which helps regulate insulin
- CAPN10, which is associated with type 2 diabetes risk in Mexican Americans
- GLUT2, which helps move glucose into thepancreas
- GCGR, aglucagon hormoneinvolved in glucose regulation
Your chances of
You’re at an increased risk for developing
- haveprediabetes
- have multiple gene mutations associated with type 2 diabetes
- have a family history of diabetes
- have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
- are age 45 years older
- areoverweight
- are physically active less than 3 times a week
- have had gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant)
- have given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
- have alow level of HDL, known as “good cholesterol”
- have a high level oftriglycerides
- were assigned male at birth; people in this group are more likely to have undiagnosed diabetes, possibly because anecdotal evidence indicates they areless likely to regularly visit a doctor
- havedepression
- have a history ofheart diseaseorstroke
- havepolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- haveacanthosis nigricans
Tests are available for some of the gene mutations associated with type 2 diabetes. The increased risk for any given mutation is small, however.
Other factors are far more accurate predictors of whether you’ll develop type 2 diabetes, including:
- body mass index (BMI)
- your family history
- high blood pressure
- high triglyceride and cholesterol levels
- a history ofgestational diabetes
The interactions between genetics and the environment make it difficult to identify a definite cause of type 2 diabetes. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce your risk through modifying your habits.
The Diabetes Intervention Accentuating Diet and Enhancing Metabolism study (DIADEM,) a large,
Blood glucose levels returned to normal levels in some cases and most participants experienced diabetes remission. Other reviews of multiplestudieshave reported similar results.
Here are some things you can start doing today to reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes:
Start an exercise program
Slowly add physical activity into your daily routine if you can. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator or park further away from building entrances. You can also try going for a walk during lunch.
Once you’re ready, you can start adding lightweight trainingand other cardiovascular activities to your routine. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day.
Talk with your doctor before starting an exercise routine. They can help you create a plan that complements your needs and abilities so you can safely exercise and take advantage of its health benefits.
Create a balanced meal plan
Cooking your own meals is the easiest way to makenutrient-dense choices.
Come up with a weekly meal plan that includes dishes for every meal. Stock up on all of thegroceriesyou’ll need and do some of the prep work ahead of time.
你可以缓解yourself into it, too. Start by planning your lunches for the week. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can plan out additional meals.
Choose nutrient-dense snacks
Stock up onsnack optionsso you can keep your body fueled andenergy levels high. Here are some balanced, easy-to-eat snacks you may want to try:
- carrot sticksandhummus
- apples,clementines, and otherfruits
- a handful ofnuts, though be careful tokeep an eye on serving sizes
- air-popped popcorn, but skip adding lots of salt or butter
- whole grain crackersandcheese
Knowing about risk factors for type 2 diabetes can help you make changes to prevent developing the condition.
Tell your doctor你的家族史与2型糖尿病。They can decide if genetic testing is right for you. They can also help you reduce your risk through lifestyle changes.
Your doctor may also want toregularly checkyour glucose levels. Testing can help them with early detection of blood sugar abnormalities or identification of type 2 diabetes warning signs.
Early diagnosis and treatment can have a positive impact on your outlook.
