Which demographic is most affected by Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is predominantly associated with overweight and obesity, which are significant risk factors for the condition. Excess body fat, especially visceral fat that accumulates around the abdomen, leads to insulin resistance, a key feature of Type 2 diabetes. This means that the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, causing higher levels of glucose in the bloodstream. The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes has increased significantly alongside global trends of rising obesity rates, making overweight and obese individuals the demographic most affected by this disease.

While there are cases of Type 2 diabetes in various populations, including the elderly and even children, these groups do not represent the most prevalent demographic affected by this condition. Additionally, being underweight might actually correlate with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and young children, while they can develop the disease, generally have lower rates compared to adolescents and adults, especially those who are overweight or obese.