Understanding Adult-Onset Diabetes: Causes & Risk Factors

Type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes occurs in adults when the body resists insulin or reduces the amount of insulin that is produced. There are several causes of adult-onset diabetes, including blood pressure, diet, weight, lifestyle and ethnicity.

Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure can lead to insulin resistance, which in turn can cause adult-onset diabetes. Normal blood pressure is 130/85 or less.

Diet

• Poor diets, especially those low in fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains, can tax the body and cause insulin levels to fluctuate. It is important to consume moderate amounts of a variety of foods and to stay on a regular eating schedule.

Weight

• Being overweight can cause insulin to not work properly, sending glucose levels in the blood up and taxing the pancreas, which will eventually stop working efficiently.

Lifestyle

• The lifestyle a person leads plays a huge role in the development of diabetes. Consuming too much alcohol and not getting enough exercise puts a person at risk of developing this condition.

Ethnicity

• Ethnicity plays a factor, as well, as Asians have a higher likelihood of developing adult-onset diabetes than any other ethnic group.