Type 2 diabetes: Genetics, lifestyle or both?
A balanced diet and physical activity is protective against family history
-Type 2 diabetes has a strong link to family history, but it also depends on environmental factors.
Studies of twins have shown that genetics play a very strong role in the development of type 2 diabetes.
However, lifestyle also influences the development of type 2 diabetes. For example, obesity, eating and exercise habits tends to run in families. If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, it may be difficult to figure out whether your diabetes is due to lifestyle factors or genetic susceptibility. Most likely it is due to both.
It doesn't have to follow the family trend. Studies show that it is possible to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes by exercising and being at a healthy weight.
People with type 2 diabetes are controlled with diet and sometimes medications to keep type 2 diabetes under control.
