Type 2 diabetes is rising quickly around the world at the same time as fat. This is what you need to know about this common long-term illness, including some surprising risk factors and unique ways to stay safe.

A big baby can cause more than a difficult labor

The Joslin Diabetes Center says that you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes after giving birth to a kid that weighs nine pounds or more. Women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes tend to gain more weight during pregnancy and have bigger babies. However, having a baby that is heavier than normal is always a risk, even if the mother does not have gestational diabetes. (These are the signs that you might have gestational diabetes.)

Most cases of type 2 diabetes can be reversed

Not many people know this, but most people with this type of diabetes can be treated. Dr. Joel Kahn, founder of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity and owner of GreenSpace Cafe, says, "The biggest myth is that type 2 diabetes should just be managed." "But my goal for these patients is to reverse and get rid of their diabetes through low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diets, exercise, and supplements that help them control their weight." It works really well for many of his patients, and he says, "It's better to be an ex-type 2 diabetic than a well-managed one." These superfoods are great for people with diabetes.

Genetics play a (supporting) role

Genetics can play a role in the risk of getting type 2 diabetes, just like it does with many other diseases and conditions. You might not get type 2 diabetes even if a close family member does. Diet and lifestyle are more important than family background when it comes to type 2 diabetes, though having a sibling or parent with the disease does raise your chances. Now we know how to stop type 2 diabetes before it starts thanks to these health advances.

Sugar isn’t off limits

People with type 1 diabetes need to be very careful about how much sugar they eat because it affects how their bodies make insulin and absorb glucose. People with type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, should limit their sugar intake as part of a healthy diet and to help them lose weight and keep it off. Dr. Kahn says, "The huge amounts of added sugars and fats in sodas, sweets, and processed foods should be limited. This is good for prevention in every way." You can still eat sugar, but making smart food choices and watching your portions are two of the most important things you can do to control or reverse type 2 diabetes. These things are not good for people with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes raises the risk of other diseases and conditions

While obesity and type 2 diabetes often go hand in hand, Dr. Kahn says that getting type 2 diabetes also raises your chance of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the Western world.The chance of having a heart attack or stroke goes up by two to four times because "high blood sugar coats (and damages) arteries and nerves, which is associated with abnormalities of blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation," says Dr. Kahn. Also, here are some signs of diabetes that you shouldn't ignore.

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis doesn’t mean a crash diet

If you have type 2 diabetes, you can still eat most of the things you love, as long as you don't eat too much of them. "People with type 2 diabetes are surprised to learn that they can eat a lot of whole fruit, even mangoes and papayas, as long as they limit their intake of added oils and fats," says Dr. Kahn. "When they get rid of the added fats, their insulin sensitivity returns, and they can eat colorful, tasty, healthy whole foods again."

Blame it on hormones

It looks like hormones control every part of a woman's life starting with puberty. They even control whether or not a woman gets type 2 diabetes. The Joslin Diabetes Center says that women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to get type 2 diabetes because PCOS is linked to inflammation and too much insulin. If you see any of these, you might have PCOS.

A clean mouth can mean a clean bill of health

Taking care of your teeth and gums can lower your chance of getting type 2 diabetes. Any kind of inflammation, even gingivitis, can cause inflammation in other parts of the body. That's why the American Diabetes Association says people with diabetes should brush and floss their teeth every day to prevent plaque buildup and more major dental and health problems. These more dangerous diseases might hit your doctor first.

Managing diabetes is not just about diet and exercise

These days, most knowledge about diabetes says that diet and exercise are the best ways to deal with it. These are both very important, but they're only two parts of a healthy living. Dr. Kahn says that there is a lot of evidence to support a Mediterranean or plant-based diet and regular exercise. But he also says that getting enough sleep and dealing with stress are just as essential.

Lesson Summary

Here are some key points about type 2 diabetes:

• A big baby born weighing nine pounds or more can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Most cases of type 2 diabetes can be reversed through lifestyle changes such as low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diets, exercise, and supplements.
• Genetics play a role in the risk of getting type 2 diabetes, but diet and lifestyle are more important factors.
• Sugar isn't completely off-limits for those with type 2 diabetes, but it should be limited as part of a healthy diet.
• Obesity and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of heart disease and other conditions.
• A type 2 diabetes diagnosis doesn't mean a crash diet; people can still enjoy whole fruits and healthy foods while managing their intake of oils and fats.
• Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes due to the link with inflammation and excess insulin.
• Oral health is linked to overall health, as taking care of teeth and gums can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Managing diabetes requires more than just diet and exercise; getting enough sleep and managing stress are also crucial factors for living a healthy lifestyle.