What Are the Biggest Causes of Diabetes?

January 12, 2023

Written by

Team Diabesmart

Medically Reviewed

Tushima Shali

Clinical Nutritionist | Diabetes Educator

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions in our society today. It was estimated that diabetes would affect 77 million people in India in 2019. This figure is also expected to rise to over 134 million by 2045. This may have a detrimental effect on a person's quality of life and can lead to serious health complications.

But what are the biggest causes of diabetes? Let’s find out.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle factors play a vital role in one's health. It's crucial to maintain some basic rules to stay healthy. If you're physically inactive, it may increase the risk of developing diabetes. Similarly, smoking and drinking alcohol may also contribute to it as well.

Meanwhile, if you're a sweet tooth, if you like sugary foods or are fond of too many processed foods, then you should follow the mantra of 'moderation is the key'. Because eating too many carbs or sugary foods may lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, which may cause diabetes. Eating a healthy balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, is one of the best ways to prevent diabetes from developing.

Genetics

It’s not to scare you, but if you have a family history of diabetes, you may likely be prone to developing it. Genetics plays a role in how your body responds to certain foods. Even though the environment and lifestyle can have a direct influence on an individual, one shouldn’t ignore their lineage. Especially for, type 2 diabetes as it has been found to have a stronger link than type 1 diabetes.

Stress

Stress has long been associated with several medical conditions, and it may make the symptoms of diabetes worse. Physical stress immediately degrades glycemic control, making diabetes more difficult to manage. Additionally, it may also intensify symptoms of diabetes in patients who are otherwise asymptomatic.

Chronic stress may result in less adequate hormonal regulation, which indirectly leads to diabetes. That being said, diabetes may also occur when insulin is interrupted.

Obesity

Obesity is also a major risk factor for diabetes. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Hence, it's important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Age

Age can play a role in your risk of developing diabetes. With age, people’s metabolic disorders and insulin resistance develops, which directly influences diabetes - especially type 2 diabetes. But if someone has a great lifestyle with good eating habits, they can prevent diabetes from happening.

The bottom line

We understand how these things can make you feel puzzled or feel like you’re having an information overload, especially when you want to prevent and manage diabetes. That’s why we provide an array of additives and snack options to help people live a healthy life with diabetes. Also, our diabetes meal plans can help you make the right choices when it comes to food and nutrition.

By understanding the biggest reasons for diabetes and making the right lifestyle choices, you can protect yourself from developing diabetes and manage your condition effectively. Visit Diabesmart today to learn more about how you can manage diabetes without sacrificing taste.