American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

Which of the following is a risk factor for diabetes?

1. Regular physical activity

2. Excessive overeating

3. High protein diet

4. Low sugar intake

The correct answer is: Excessive overeating

Excessive overeating is a well-established risk factor for diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. When an individual consumes more calories than their body can effectively use, it can lead to weight gain, obesity, and increased insulin resistance. This is significant because as the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, glucose levels in the blood can rise, potentially leading to the development of diabetes. In contrast, regular physical activity is known to reduce the risk of diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and aiding in weight management. A high protein diet, depending on its composition and context, may not necessarily correlate directly with increased diabetes risk and can sometimes be beneficial when balanced with other nutrients. Low sugar intake is typically associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes, as high sugar consumption is linked to the development of obesity and subsequent insulin resistance. Thus, recognizing the impact of overeating provides insight into preventing diabetes through lifestyle management.