Obesity and stress rather than the thrifty gene, major risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus

Obesity and stress rather than the thrifty gene, major risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus

Zelalem Tafese

Hawassa University

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is becoming one of the main problems identified for public health importance by the World Health Organization (WHO) particularly in developing countries. The exact cause for T2DM   unknown for sure but multiple predisposing factors are suggested including overweight, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle and stress.

Objectives: To systematically review the major risk factors for T2DM giving more emphasis in the developing world.

Methodology: The search for studies was performed through Google scholar, Medline, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The keywords that were used to search in the database included “T2DM” AND “predisposing factors” AND “determinants OR risk factor”, relevant articles were included for review.

Results: Of the fifty-eight study results that met the inclusion criteria; the majority reported stressful life as the risk factor for type2 diabetes mellitus. Other articles noted obesity, out of which some reported obesity linked with the ‘thrifty gene’ as a risk factor. Furthermore, the remaining reports suggested genetic traits, aging, lack of exercise, and insulin resistance, and infections all contribute to the risk of diabetes.

Conclusion: Although not everyone with T2DM is overweight, the presence of obesity, lack of physical activity, and stressful life increase the chances of acquiring T2DM. But it is doubtful to accept the thrifty gene hypothesis to play a role in the higher proportion of diabetes. This review highlights the need for a further study focused on finding a new approach to manage and prevent diabetes is recommended.

Keywords: Determinants; Obesity; Prevention; Stress, Thrifty gene; Type 2 diabetes mellitus

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How to cite this article:
Zelalem Tafese.Obesity and stress rather than the thrifty gene, major risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus .International Research Journal of Public Health, 2022; 6:64. DOI: 10.28933/irjph-2021-12-0605

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