Impact of Sedentary Lifestyle & Smoking on Diabetes Risk

Physical inactivity and smoking are among the factors that significantly increase an individual's risk of developing diabetes, according to Prof. Jibril Mohmmed El-Bashir, a medical expert and professor of chemical pathology and metabolism. Other contributing elements include emotional stress, diet, medication intake, and genetic predispositions. 
 
Addressing journalists during a virtual training session organized by the Africa Diseases Prevention and Research Development Initiative (ADRAP), Prof. El-Bashir elucidated on the various types of diabetes, which include Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent), Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent), gestational diabetes mellitus,and those associated with other conditions or syndromes. 
 
He further explained that clinical manifestations of this metabolic disease range from fatigue and weakness to sudden vision changes, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, dry skin, slow-healing skin lesions or wounds, and recurrent infections, among others. 
 
Elucidating on physical inactivity as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), he stated that men who watched TV more than 50 hours per week had almost thrice the chance of developing DM compared to counterparts who spent less than one hour weekly before their screens. This observation emphasizes how a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to increased vulnerability to DM. 
 
Diet also plays a significant role in increasing one's susceptibility to DM. Consumption patterns such as low vitamin D intake, early exposure to cow milk or its formulas, and premature exposure to cereals before four months have demonstrated links with heightened risk levels for DM development. 
 
Prof. El-Bashir highlighted definitive studies stating, "Consumption of red meat, processed meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk." 
 
In relation to smoking habits' impact on DM propensity,the professor cited several large prospective studies suggesting cigarette smoking could potentially raise chances for developing type 2 diabetes. He elaborated,Current smokers had an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with nonsmokers." He further explained, "Smoking may impair insulin sensitivity and has been linked to increased abdominal fat distribution, which impacts glucose tolerance." 
 
Medication intake was identified as another contributing factor to DM. Certain drugs, like adrenal corticosteroids and oral contraceptives, are known to antagonize the effects of insulin. 
 
Stress, both emotional and physiological, could also exacerbate DM risk by causing prolonged elevations in stress hormone levels, thereby raising blood glucose levels. 
 
Genetic factors, too, have an important role to play in the predisposition towards all types of diabetes. Autoimmune disease and viral infections were cited as potential risk factors, especially for type I diabetes mellitus. 
 
Prof. El-Bashir, however, emphasized that there are ways to manage this condition through nutritional therapy, exercise regimes, education monitoring, and medications. 
 
Despite its high prevalence rate,the professor stressed the importance of prevention measures,lifestyle modifications, and effective management strategies due to the serious complications associated with this disease. These include diabetic retinopathy (an eye disease), erectile issues, and psychological problems, among others, such as heart-related issues, kidney failure, skin infections, psychosexual dysfunction, depression, etc., leading to a significant decrease in quality of life expectancy and premature death. 
  
In conclusion, he reiterated,Lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity,a healthy diet, and smoking cessation, can significantly reduce your chances of developing diabetes."