What is considered a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes?

Obesity is recognized as a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes due to its significant impact on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. When individuals are overweight, especially with an excess accumulation of fat around the abdomen, this can lead to insulin resistance, where the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin. As insulin is essential for regulating blood glucose levels, diminished response results in higher blood sugar levels, ultimately leading to type 2 diabetes.

In addition to the physiological effects of obesity, it is often associated with other risk factors like high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (elevated cholesterol levels), which compound the risk for developing diabetes. Lifestyle changes that promote weight loss, such as improved diet and increased physical activity, are often effective in reducing the risk of or even reversing pre-diabetes conditions.

Choices that involve aging, high protein intake, and low activity levels also contribute to diabetes risk, but obesity stands out as the most significant and modifiable factor, making it a central focus in diabetes prevention strategies.