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Rising Diabetes Rates Linked to Genetic Risk and Diet

3/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study of over 86,000 participants finds more people with high genetic risk for type 2 diabetes developing the disease now than in previous decades.
Vera Vik Bjarkø, PhD research fellow at NTNU, attributes this rise to easier access to unhealthy foods.
Those with a low genetic predisposition have maintained a consistently low prevalence of diabetes.
Bjarkø notes that some individuals may possess genetic mechanisms that protect them from diabetes.

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Story summary

A study of over 86,000 participants finds more people with high genetic risk for type 2 diabetes developing the disease now than in previous decades.
Vera Vik Bjarkø, PhD research fellow at NTNU, attributes this rise to easier access to unhealthy foods.
Those with a low genetic predisposition have maintained a consistently low prevalence of diabetes.
Bjarkø notes that some individuals may possess genetic mechanisms that protect them from diabetes.