Why did I develop type 2 diabetes despite healthy habits?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 54 years old, and I am honestly confused and upset. Why does someone aged 54 with good habits still develop type 2 diabetes? I have always eaten a reasonably healthy diet, walked every day, and have never been overweight. Getting this diagnosis feels very unfair. Please tell me the following:

Is genetics really that powerful?
Could stress or poor sleep have contributed?

I keep wondering if I did something wrong.

Even though I am trying my best, my blood sugar levels keep creeping up. I am worried about developing complications and about needing medication. What hurts the most is that people assume I caused this, which is very upsetting.

It has been emotionally exhausting trying to defend myself while also learning to manage a condition I never expected to have.

Please help.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Diabetes is caused by a combination of several factors rather than a single cause. These factors include genetics (the traits inherited from your parents), lifestyle habits such as the foods you eat and your level of physical activity, sleep patterns, stress levels, certain medications, and comorbidities (other medical conditions that occur along with diabetes).

One of the main reasons type 2 diabetes develops is insulin resistance. Insulin is produced by your pancreas. It helps move sugar (glucose) from your blood into the body’s cells, where the cells can use it for energy, and insulin resistance. Our body still makes insulin, but the cells do not respond to it properly. As a result, sugar remains in the bloodstream instead of entering the cells, causing blood sugar levels to rise over time.

Type 2 diabetes is a very common condition and, in most cases, it can be managed successfully with the right combination of healthy lifestyle changes, medications when needed, and regular follow-up with your doctor.

Chronic stress long-term emotional or physical pressure) And poor sleep can seriously impact blood sugar management because they increase stress hormones, which can make it harder for insulin to do its thing.

Aim for six to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night and try to find healthy ways to relax and manage stress.

If your blood sugar levels are still rising after you have followed the above recommendations, it could be a sign that your diabetes is not yet under control. This does not mean you have failed. Diabetes will naturally get worse over time, and many people need to change their treatment plan, such as by changing the amount of medicine they take or adding a new medicine.

If you could share your recent HbA1c, fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), and the medications you are currently taking, I can guide you more specifically.

HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) is a blood test that gives your average blood sugar level for the past three months.
Fasting blood sugar (FBS) is measured after not eating for at least eight hours, usually first thing in the morning.
Postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) is when your blood sugar level is measured about two hours after a meal. It shows how well your body handles sugar after eating.

I often tell my patients that good health is about maintaining the right balance. Just as drinking excessive amounts of water can make a person feel unwell, managing diabetes is about finding the right balance of diet, physical activity, medication, sleep, and stress management. With the appropriate treatment plan and regular monitoring, many people with type 2 diabetes live long, healthy, and active lives.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.