The number of people diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled in the last 20 years. The CDC says about 3 million adults in the U.S. have the disease and Type 2accounts for 90-95% of all cases.
Common risk factors for type two diabetes include obesity, family history, and age. “Aging is one of the biggest risk factors for most of the chronic diseases,” Neurosurgeon Dr. Hariom Yadav said.
Sugary drinks and processed foods are also linked to Type 2 diabetes. But experts say it’s not only what you eat, but when you eat.
A study published in nutrition and diabetes found people who eat 45% or more of their daily calorie intake after 5 p.m. had lower glucose tolerance. Over time, that can negatively impact metabolism and BMI.
“The gut influences very heavily of our whole-body physiology,” Yadav said.
Skipping breakfast four to five days a week is linked with a 55% increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. The Journal of Nutrition says not eating a morning meal can impact blood glucose levels. It can also increase eating later in the day.
“If you don’t eat, your body conserves and says, ‘I need energy. Where is the energy?’ and it can lower your metabolism,” Yadav said.
Poor sleep is also strongly linked to Type 2 diabetes. According to National Institute of Health, sleep is essential to control hormones, including several hormones connected to glucose metabolism.
This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. Health Spotlight is presented by Community Health Network.