Myth or Fact: No Family History of Diabetes Means You Won’t Get It? Ft. Dr Shivaji Telang

Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by elevated blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or the body's ineffective use of insulin.

A common misconception is that a lack of family history of diabetes eliminates the risk of developing the condition. However, this is not accurate, as diabetes can be influenced by several factors beyond genetics.

Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and aging play significant roles in increasing the risk of diabetes. Additionally, environmental factors and individual health choices also contribute to its onset.

Therefore, even without a genetic predisposition, anyone can be at risk if exposed to these factors. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial in reducing the risk of diabetes, regardless of family history.

This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and scheduling routine health check-ups. Such proactive measures can greatly lower the chances of developing diabetes and improve overall well-being.

In this video, Dr Shivaji Telang, Assistant Professor at Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, addresses this misconception and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors in diabetes risk.

He also provides insights into preventive strategies that can help manage and reduce diabetes risk, highlighting that individual choices play a vital role in diabetes prevention.