ORLANDO, Fla. — Over the last two decades, diabetes cases have more than doubled in the U.S. Today, about 38 million adults live with this condition. The majority, around 90% to 95%, have type 2 diabetes. Several surprising factors seem to contribute to this rise.
Common risk factors include obesity, family history, and being older. Aging plays a significant role in many chronic illnesses, as noted by Dr. Hariom Yadav, a neurosurgeon at the University of South Florida Institute for Microbiomes.
While everyone knows that sugary drinks and processed foods can harm health, the timing of meals also matters. Research published in Nutrition and Diabetes shows that consuming over 45% of daily calories after 5 p.m. could lower glucose tolerance. This can hurt metabolism and body weight over time.
“The gut significantly influences our overall health,” Dr. Yadav remarks.
Skipping breakfast can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 55%. The Journal of Nutrition highlights that not eating in the morning can lead to higher blood sugar levels and may cause overeating later in the day. Registered dietitian Tara Collingwood explains, “When you skip meals, your body feels it needs energy and may slow down metabolism.”
Poor sleep is another factor closely linked to type 2 diabetes. The National Institutes of Health emphasize that sleep plays a key role in regulating hormones, many of which affect glucose metabolism.
Furthermore, women who give birth to larger babies (weighing at least 9 pounds) have a 20% greater risk of developing diabetes later in life, according to the NIH.
The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes underscores the importance of understanding lifestyle choices and their impacts. Addressing these simple but crucial factors may help manage and prevent the disease.
Check out this related article: Rising Cancer Rates Among Young People: How Diet and Lifestyle Choices Can Reduce Your Risk
Source linkType 2 diabetes,Lifestyle changes,Obesity,Glucose tolerance,Processed foods,Sleep,Calorie intake,Metabolism
