Why Type 2 Diabetes Is Self Inflicted

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to use insulin properly to utilize the blood sugar in the blood, resulting in consistently high blood sugar levels. It is considered a self-inflicted condition because it can be prevented in most cases, per Harvard School of Public Health.

Preventable

• Harvard School of Public Health ran a study over the course of ten years to evaluate cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Of the more than 300 subjects who developed diabetes during the study, it was found that 89 percent of those cases could have been prevented through lifestyle modification.

Weight

• Being overweight or obese are powerful risk factors in the development of diabetes. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index is one of the keys to preventing diabetes. Obesity is also related to increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Food Choices

• Type 2 diabetes is a condition related to sugar, and reducing the intake of sugars can be helpful in preventing its development. A diet that is both low in sugar and trans fats while at the same time being high in fiber and polyunsatured fats is useful in preventing the development of diabetes.

Lack of Activity

• Dr. Nicolas Musi of the University of Texas notes that exercise improves and increases the function of mitochondria within muscle tissue. Mitochondria produces energy for the body, and becomes more efficient at taking up and using sugar when the body is exercised.

Smoking and Alcohol

• Smoking increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as does excessive alchohol consumption. Dariush Mozaffarian of the Harvard School study added that moderate alcohol consumption, in the form of two drinks per day for men and one for women, can help prevent diabetes.