Scientists named the main cause of diabetes: risk increases 11 times

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Milan analyzed data from 445,765 participants in the UK Biobank and found that excess weight is a more significant factor in developing type 2 diabetes than genetic predisposition. People with a BMI of about 34.5 kg/m² had an 11 times higher risk of the disease compared to participants with a BMI of about 21.7 kg/m². Weight control can significantly reduce the likelihood of the disease even with unfavorable heredity.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Milan analyzed data from 445,765 participants in the UK Biobank and concluded that excess weight is one of the most significant factors in developing type 2 diabetes, with its influence being much stronger than genetic predisposition. The average age of volunteers at the start of observation was 57.2 years. Participants were divided into five groups based on BMI and another five based on genetic risk. During the observation period, type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in 31,298 people (about 7% of participants). The most noticeable difference was found between people with the highest and lowest BMI: in the group with a BMI of about 34.5 kg/m², the probability of developing diabetes was about 11 times higher than among participants with an average BMI of about 21.7 kg/m². This pattern persisted regardless of genetic predisposition. The authors suggest that each person may have their own threshold for fat accumulation, beyond which glucose control is impaired. Reducing body weight below the individual critical level could potentially significantly reduce the risk of diabetes. Excess fat tissue, especially around internal organs, is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity. However, body weight is not the only factor: age, family history, physical activity, diet, and metabolic characteristics also influence the risk.