General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Instead of regulating everyone's sugar intake [View all]kdmorris
(5,649 posts)Genetic predisposition is the chief reason for Type 2 Diabetes. (Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that has nothing to do with diet or exercise).
You can not have the genetic disposition to get Type 2 Diabetes and eat as much crap as you want and never get it. Or you can be genetically predisposed to Type 2 Diabetes, eat right, exercise and STILL get Type 2 Diabetes.
Being insulin resistant and pumping out tons of insulin is one cause of weight gain. Often, the cause and effect are backwards in many people's minds. Many people get obese because they are insulin resistant and eventually, their pancreas gives out and can't continue to produce that much insulin, leading to Type 2 Diabetes.
You want to help Type 2 Diabetics before the problem starts? Educate them on insulin resistance, genetic propensity and lowering that insulin resistance - even if it means taking medications like metformin or discussing exercise with a physical therapist to accomplish that. Regulating sugar intake like they are little children doesn't really help much. Most obese people are shamed like this and no one ever tells them HOW they can help themselves. Giving advice like "stop eating a crappy diet" really doesn't help anyone - especially if they are not EATING A crappy diet.