Obesity: The Leading Cause of Type 2 Diabetes - Causes & Prevention

The biggest contributor to diabetes is obesity.

Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the vast majority of cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, but obesity is the most important modifiable risk factor.

People who are obese have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes because their bodies are more resistant to the effects of insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can damage the blood vessels and nerves and can eventually lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness.

There are a number of things that people who are obese can do to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.