As of: March 9, 2024, 7:00 p.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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The idea that excessive sugar consumption leads to diabetes is not entirely correct.
Many other factors contribute to the development of the disease.
Type 2 diabetes does not develop overnight; rather, the disease develops gradually over a long period of time.
In many cases, those affected do not experience any significant symptoms for a long time or do not interpret possible signs such as severe thirst and pain in the foot as an indication of diabetes.
The cause of the disease lies in the gradually decreasing effect of the vital hormone insulin, which means that blood sugar in the body is no longer lowered.
At the same time, the pancreas produces less insulin, which means that less sugar (glucose) is transported into the body's cells and more remains in the blood, according to the
Helmholtz Zentrum
München.
Doctors now know that over 15 risk factors and certain living conditions can significantly contribute to the development of diabetes.
Which lifestyle can lead to diabetes
Being overweight and very overweight (obesity), especially in the abdominal circumference, significantly promote the development of type 2 diabetes.
© HalfPoint Images/Imago
In addition to genetic predisposition, an unhealthy lifestyle also plays a crucial role.
The known risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include:
Being overweight and very overweight (obesity), especially in the stomach
High blood pressure that is not treated
Increased blood fats due to high cholesterol
Little regular exercise, little sport
Unhealthy diet with plenty of white flour, industrial sugar and fructose
Low fiber diet
Smoke
Regular alcohol consumption
Presence of type 2 diabetes within the family
The absolute risk of diabetes in both sexes increases with age
Medications that negatively affect blood sugar levels, such as cortisone, beta blockers to treat high blood pressure and antidepressants to treat depression
Being overweight and having high blood sugar levels increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease - at the same time, fatty liver disease can lead to diabetes
Diabetes during pregnancy can result in chronic type 2 diabetes
Untreated sleep apnea can have a negative impact on insulin resistance and therefore promote the development of diabetes
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women increases the risk of type 2 diabetes
Even a permanently and slightly elevated blood sugar in the body can, as a preliminary stage of the disease (pre-diabetes), lead to true type 2 diabetes.
If pre-diabetes is diagnosed, something should be done specifically about it.
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Diabetes can cause physical damage
Every year, around 560,000 people in Germany are diagnosed with diabetes, as the
German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD)
reports.
An estimated seven to eight million people in this country suffer from this chronic metabolic disease.
If the elevated blood sugar is not noticed and treated, it can lead to permanent damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves, with amputations - especially in the case of diabetic foot syndrome - and diabetic hand disease being common long-term consequences.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.