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New Light Shed on Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

New Light Shed on Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

A study published this month examined causal risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The International Diabetes Foundation estimates that about 9% of the adult population worldwide has type 2 diabetes, making it a global public health issue.Type 2 diabetes leads not only to significant health issues (including blindness, limb amputations, and kidney disease) but also a significant economic health care burden. By learning about the risk factors for type 2 diabetes, we can better learn strategies to prevent the disease.

About 170 possible risk factors were identified by the authors in their review of available and appropriate studies. The authors of this study conducted a meta-analysis of 32 studies including nearly 900,000 participants. Based on this, study authors identified 19 risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

  • Depression
  • Childhood and adulthood BMI
  • Body fat percentage
  • Visceral fat mass
  • Insomnia
  • Systolic blood pressure
  • Smoking initiation
  • Lifetime smoking
  • Coffee (caffeine) consumption
  • Plasma isoleucine
  • Valine and leucine
  • Liver alanine aminotransferase
  • Resting heart rate
  • Four plasma fatty acids

According to Associate Professor and study author Susanna Larsson, “It is important to highlight that obesity is still the predominant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.” Obesity is commonly defined as BMI greater than 30. To easily calculate your BMI, you can use Dr. Shillingford’s BMI calculator. If your BMI is over 30, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band surgery limit your volume of food intake, reduce the amount of calories absorbed, and help you to feel fuller for longer, resulting in weight loss. By reducing your weight and your BMI, you can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.

If you have been unable to sustain weight loss with diet and exercise alone, you may be a candidate for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery. Call Dr. Shillingford’s Boca Raton office at (561) 483-8840 to schedule your free informational session to learn more or to schedule your consultation. Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA is a board-certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery. His weight loss surgery patients receive top notch care at Northwest Medical Center’s Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery, where Dr. Shillingford proudly serves as Medical Director.