Hacker News Reader

Comment by arcticbull | Hacker News Reader

Makes sense, it is a diet related illness, so it should have a diet related treatment. Instead of treating the symptoms, treat the cause.

View on HN

> Makes sense, it is a diet related illness, so it should have a diet related treatment. Instead of treating the symptoms, treat the cause.

If everyone starts that doing we're going to put the pharmaceuticals out of business. There'd be riots!

> Makes sense, it is a diet related illness, so it should have a diet related treatment. Instead of treating the symptoms, treat the cause.

Type 2 diabetes isn't caused by diet. Certain diets can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, but it's not a foregone conclusion, and it's not uncommon to develop Type 2 diabetes despite an otherwise healthy diet.

T2D is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as diet, and you're correct that someone can get T2D based mostly on genetic factors alone. It is however very uncommon, and diet plays a role in the majority of cases. There are several studies that show this.

> It is however very uncommon

It is not very uncommon, and in fact the most recent (last ~decade of) research has actually caused us to question the extent to which people genetically predisposed to diabetes can mitigate their risk through diet and lifestyle choices.

My Dad and his brother both have T2D. My Dad is 75 and my uncle is going on 60. They are both very active, in shape, and not overweight at all. e.g., My Dad was playing tennis 4 times a week when he was diagnosed. He's probably cut down some since, um, he's 75, and has had two hip replacements, but he's in way better shape than I am.

Neither were significantly overweight when they were diagnosed. In fact, my Dad has been trim for decades, and while I don't see my uncle often, he was always thin and very fit-looking when I have seen him.

There _has_ got to be a genetic component independent of lifestyle and diet choices. Me? I have no excuse. I'm overweight and not active and I know I need to change that.

edit: Didn't proofread.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com