Tammy Zuehlsdorf

What Causes Diabetes? The Hidden Danger of Being Overweight

When you think of diabetes, you probably think of insulin and the risk of complications like heart disease and stroke. But did you know that being overweight or obese is the primary risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes? That’s right—excess weight is a major cause of type 2 diabetes. In fact, about 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or have excess body fat. Furthermore, as many as 25% of people who have type 2 diabetes are unaware they have it. That’s why identifying risk factors for type 2 diabetes and taking action to reduce your risk is so important if you want to prevent this condition in the future. In this article, we explain what causes diabetes, the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, how you can reduce your risk of developing this disease, and how best to manage if you already have it.