There are a number of major risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Although some diabetic risks come from our genetics, many are preventable.

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Unfortunately, many people do not know what these are or clearly understand the signs of them. For this reason, below is a list of top type 2 diabetes risk factors.

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Also see: the symptoms of diabetes

 

Obesity

Obesity is the major type 2 diabetes risk, with millions of people throughout the world facing obesity. Almost a quarter of adults in the UK are recorded as being obese.

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Furthermore, the numbers continue to climb, both amongst adults and children.

The number of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes caused by obesity is climbing everywhere. In the UK, about one in three children are classed as obese.

 

Lack of exercise and sedentary way of life

Living a sedentary lifestyle without sufficient exercise is seriously damaging to health.

Being inactive often leads to being overweight, which can lead to pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Staying active decreases insulin resistance and helps bodily insulin to be more effective.

 

Eating a 'Western' diet

Eating unhealthily is a major cause of type 2 diabetes, as over 90 per cent of type 2 diabetics are overweight.  A so-called Western diet, with a reliance on processed foods, poor quality fats and little fibre content, is thought to be a major contributor to diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

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