If type 2 diabetes runs in your family, you may find yourself worrying about whether it will show up in you or your kids. And your worries are well-founded as people at high genetic risk for type 2 diabetes are in fact more likely to develop it at some point in their lifetime. However, according to researchers in the Netherlands, there’s a way to dramatically reduce the risk.

Their study followed over 8000 participants for almost 20 years.

The study subjects all had a high genetic risk for diabetes but no evidence of the disease at the start of the study.

The researchers reported that participants who maintained a normal body weight had over a 50 percent lower risk for diabetes compared with those with overweight and obesity.

Whether diabetes runs in your family or not, it’s healthy for you and your kids to maintain a normal weight.

But if diabetes runs in your family, then it’s critical.

The findings were published in the journal Diabetic Medicine.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2021. This blog provides a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.