How Managing Your Body Weight Can Significantly Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

New research shows that adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, but managing body weight is still crucial, especially among different ethnic groups.

Both genetics and lifestyle choices—like what we eat, how much we drink, whether we smoke, and our physical activity levels—play a role in diabetes risk. Researchers have developed a Lifestyle Risk Factor Index (LSRI) to help predict this risk more accurately.

Unlike previous studies with short follow-up periods, this recent research followed participants longer. They found that people classified as obese, with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, were more than three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with a normal weight. The authors noted, “While the LSRI shows a significant link to diabetes risk, BMI remains the strongest predictor.”

This study included a diverse group of 165,383 participants from various backgrounds—such as African American, Latino, and European American. It discovered that a higher LSRI score leads to lower diabetes rates, particularly among African Americans and Latinos. This suggests that public health initiatives should be tailored for different communities to be more effective.

Interestingly, 39% of Americans are affected by obesity, and according to the CDC, this is a key risk factor for developing diabetes. With rising obesity rates, especially during the pandemic, understanding these links becomes even more critical.

In summary, while lifestyle choices matter, body weight continues to be a vital factor in diabetes risk. This insight can guide future health programs and education efforts.

For more detailed statistics and information on diabetes management, check the CDC’s diabetes page.

Source link