Which is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes?

• A. Obesity
• B. Low blood pressure
• C. High iron levels
• D. Low cholesterol

Answer: (A)

Obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes because excess body fat, especially around the abdominal area, makes tissues like muscle and liver less responsive to insulin. When these tissues don’t respond well to insulin, glucose stays in the blood, so the body needs more insulin to try to keep blood sugar in check. The pancreas initially compensates by producing more insulin, but over time the insulin-producing beta cells can become stressed and may fail, leading to higher blood glucose levels and diabetes. Adipose tissue also releases various hormones and inflammatory substances that worsen insulin resistance, reinforcing the connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Low blood pressure, high iron levels, and low cholesterol are not established risk factors for type 2 diabetes in the same clear, causal way.