What Role Does Age Play in Diabetes Risk Factors?
Age is a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, with the likelihood of developing the condition increasing as a person gets older. The risk begins to rise after the age of 45 and continues to grow as individuals age. This is partly because, over time, the body becomes less efficient at processing glucose, and insulin resistance tends to increase with age. In addition, older adults are more likely to be overweight or obese, which further contributes to the risk of developing diabetes. The combination of these age-related changes in metabolism and weight gain creates a higher susceptibility to diabetes.
In older adults, other age-related factors such as decreased muscle mass and reduced physical activity also play a role in increasing the risk of diabetes. Muscle tissue is a major site for glucose absorption, and as muscle mass decreases with age, the body becomes less efficient at utilizing glucose, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. While age is a risk factor that cannot be changed, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, can help reduce the risk of diabetes in older adults.
