Adult lifestyle ‘more influence’ on diabetes

Adult lifestyle has more influence on the chances of developing diabetes than childhood factors, new research has claimed.

The study of 412 men and women, conducted by a team at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, found that fatter adults were more likely to have increased insulin resistance – a risk marker for Type 2 diabetes.

The study found that childhood factors, such as birth weight and nutrition – previously believed to have a significant effect – had “limited impact”.

The study measured participants’ percentage body fat and waist-hip ratio, along with other lifestyle factors. The data was collected as part of the Thousand Families Study, a Newcastle University project, which has examined the health of children born in Newcastle in May and June 1947 throughout their lives.

Researchers found that men and women with a higher body fat and higher waist-hip ratio were more likely to demonstrate increased insulin resistance.

Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90% of all cases, is strongly related to being overweight and lack of physical activity and usually occurs in middle to older aged adults. The World Health Organisation predicts that the number of people with Type 2 diabetes will more than double over the next 25 years.

Study leader Dr Mark Pearce said that promotion of healthier lifestyles throughout life would be help to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in later life. Dr Pearce said: “Our study, which has examined people from birth to adulthood, suggests that the life you lead as an adult has the biggest influence on your health, in terms of diabetes risk, in later life.”

Dr Pearce added: “It’s never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle – and even though our study shows that childhood experience had limited impact on insulin resistance in adulthood, parents still have a role to play in introducing their children to eating a healthy diet and physical exercise, so they can develop good habits that will hopefully last throughout adulthood and old age.”

Amanda Vezey, care advisor at Diabetes UK, said: “This study further emphasises the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet and taking part in regular physical activity. To reduce the risks of developing Type 2 diabetes in earlier years, it’s essential to start leading a healthy lifestyle as early as possible.”

Diabetes has been said to account for 9% of the annual NHS budget, costing approximately £5.2 billion per year.

(KMcA/GB)