Diabetes Risk Factors
- Know Your Risk of Developing Diabetes. One of the most important ways to prevent, delay or identify diabetes early is to be aware of your risk for developing the disease.
- Modifiable vs. Non-modifiable Risk Factors. ...
- Learn More About Specific Diabetes Risk Factors and How to Reduce Them. ...
Full Answer
What foods can increase your diabetes risk?
- Highly processed carbohydrates. These are food items that are normally made using white flour, white sugar, and white rice, such as breads, muffins, cakes, crackers, and pastas. ...
- Sugary beverages. ...
- Saturated fats and trans fats. ...
- Red meats and processed meats. ...
What can I do to mitigate the risk of diabetes?
What can I do today to help mitigate my risk?
- Talk with your health care provider to run a blood glucose test that will tell you if you have prediabetes or not.
- Get moving — incorporate walking or other exercise into your daily routine. ...
- Eat healthy and nutritious meals that feed the mind and body. ...
- Maintain a healthy weight. ...
What are the risks and complications of diabetes?
Complications and manifestations of diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are also at greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, or circulatory problems in the legs and feet (peripheral artery disease). These complications of diabetes are typically called "macrovascular" complications, which mean that these complications affect the larger blood vessels.
Does stress increase risk of diabetes?
It also increases diabetes risk. Chronic stress causes your body to release extra stress hormones, such as cortisol. In turn, that causes insulin resistance, which makes blood sugar levels climb. Stress also contributes to other diabetes risk factors, including depression, a bad diet, and poor sleep.
What are the 4 main risk factors for diabetes?
The main things that lead to it are:Obesity or being overweight. Research shows this is a top reason for type 2 diabetes. ... Impaired glucose tolerance. ... Insulin resistance. ... Ethnic background. ... Gestational diabetes. ... Sedentary lifestyle. ... Family history. ... Polycystic ovary syndrome.More items...•
What is the number 1 risk factor for diabetes?
The main risk factors for type 1 diabetes include : Family history: Having a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes increases the risk of a person having the same type. If both parents have type 1 diabetes, the risk is even higher. Age: Type 1 diabetes usually develops in younger adults and children.
What are diabetics at risk for?
Diabetes can cause damage to your kidneys over a long period of time making it harder to clear extra fluid and waste from your body. This is caused by high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. It is known as diabetic nephropathy or kidney disease. Nerve damage (neuropathy)
What is diabetes What are its causes and risk factors?
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system, the body's system for fighting infection, attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Scientists think type 1 diabetes is caused by genes and environmental factors, such as viruses, that might trigger the disease.
What are examples of risk factors?
Risk factor examplesNegative attitudes, values or beliefs.Low self-esteem.Drug, alcohol or solvent abuse.Poverty.Children of parents in conflict with the law.Homelessness.Presence of neighbourhood crime.Early and repeated anti-social behaviour.More items...•
What are 10 warning signs of diabetes?
Diabetes Warning Signs: 10 Early Symptoms You Shouldn`t IgnoreYou Pee a Lot. ... You're Always Thirsty. ... You're Hungry All the Time. ... You Unexpectedly Lose Weight. ... Your Skin Becomes Very Dry. ... You Form Dark Patches. ... You Heal Slowly. ... Your Vision Blurs.More items...
Who is at risk for type 2 diabetes?
You are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you: Are over age 45. Children, teenagers, and younger adults can get type 2 diabetes, but it is more common in middle-aged and older people. Have prediabetes, which means that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes.
Does stress cause diabetes?
Stress doesn't cause diabetes but it can affect your blood sugar levels and how you look after your condition. Having diabetes to manage on top of life's normal ups and downs can itself be a cause of stress. It's not always easy to live with and this can also feel harder when many people don't understand it.
What are the 3 main signs of diabetes?
The main symptoms of diabetes are described as the three polys - polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Individuals with high risk for developing diabetes should be alert to these symptoms and seek medical attention if they notice the above symptoms.
What risk factors mean?
Britannica Dictionary definition of RISK FACTOR. [count] : something that increases risk. especially : something that makes a person more likely to get a particular disease or condition.
Why is obesity a risk factor for diabetes?
Well, obesity causes increased levels of fatty acids and inflammation, leading to insulin resistance, which in turn can lead to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes and accounts for approximately 90% of diabetes cases.
Why does diabetes happen?
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach, does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, or the body cannot use insulin properly. Insulin helps carry sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Once inside the cells, sugar is converted into energy for immediate use or stored for the future.
What is the biggest risk factor for type 2 diabetes?
Diet, Exercise, and Obesity The number one risk factor for type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese.
Who is at risk for type 2 diabetes?
You are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you: Are over age 45. Children, teenagers, and younger adults can get type 2 diabetes, but it is more common in middle-aged and older people. Have prediabetes, which means that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes.
What are the 3 main signs of diabetes?
The main symptoms of diabetes are described as the three polys - polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Individuals with high risk for developing diabetes should be alert to these symptoms and seek medical attention if they notice the above symptoms.
What are the non-modifiable risk factors for Type 2 diabetes?
Non-modifiable risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Risk factors that increase your risk for developing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes that can’t be changed are: Family history: Some factors that increase the risk of diabetes are inherited from our parents or close biological relatives. If you have a blood relative with diabetes, ...
What race is most likely to develop diabetes?
Race or ethnic background: If you’re of African-American, Asian-American, Latino/Hispanic-American, Native American or of Pacific-Islander descent, you have a greater chance of developing diabetes. Age: The older you are, the higher your risk for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes generally occurs in middle-aged adults, ...
What is the normal blood pressure for a diabetic?
People with diabetes and HBP should maintain a blood pressure of less than 130/80 mm Hg. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg.
How much weight can you lose to prevent diabetes?
Weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes. Losing 5% to 10% of your body weight—in addition to getting regular physical activity—can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Your risk decreases even more as you lose more weight. For most people, a body mass index calculator will provide ...
What is the best diet for diabetes?
The American Heart Association recommends an eating plan that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, skinless poultry, fish, legumes, non-tropical vegetable oils and unsalted nuts ...
How to reduce insulin resistance?
Regular physical activity helps lower insulin resistance. This means your body can use its own insulin more effectively. Even a brisk 30-minute walk at least five days a week has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. For your overall cardiovascular health, aim for:
When does Type 2 diabetes occur?
Type 2 diabetes generally occurs in middle-aged adults, most frequently after age 40. But health care professionals are diagnosing more and more children and adolescents with Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes: If you developed diabetes during pregnancy, you are at increased risk of developing diabetes again later in life.
Why do people with diabetes have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes?
Because diabetes is often related to lifestyle choices, parents may pass on poor health habits to their children in addition to a genetic predisposition. This increases their children’s risk for getting types 2 diabetes. People of certain ethnicities are also at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. These include:
What is the risk of developing type 2 diabetes?
triglyceride levels that are 250 or greater. Women with gestational diabetes who give birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
What is the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes?
The three types are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes: Type 1 diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce insulin. Doctors usually diagnose in childhood, although it can occur in adults also. The hormone insulin is vital ...
How does diabetes affect the body?
Type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to use insulin properly. Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes make insulin. However, either they don’t make enough to keep up with rising blood sugar levels or their body isn’t able to use the insulin effectively. Doctors associate type 2 diabetes with lifestyle-related factors ...
Why is insulin important?
The hormone insulin is vital to helping the body utilize blood sugar. Without enough insulin, the extra blood sugar can damage the body. According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.25 million U.S. children and adults have type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to use insulin properly.
How old do you have to be to get a diabetes test?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend adults age 45 and older get a diabetes test. This is especially important if a person is overweight.
What are the most common conditions that cause type 2 diabetes?
People are also more likely to experience type 2 diabetes if they have the following conditions: acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition that makes the skin appear darker than usual. hypertension (high blood pressure) greater than 130/80 mm Hg. high cholesterol. polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes 1 are overweight or obese 2 are age 45 or older 3 have a family history of diabetes 4 are African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander 5 have high blood pressure 6 have a low level of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, or a high level of triglycerides 7 have a history of gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more 8 are not physically active 9 have a history of heart disease or stroke 10 have depression#N#NIH external link 11 have polycystic ovary syndrome#N#NIH external link#N#, also called PCOS 12 have acanthosis nigricans —dark, thick, and velvety skin around your neck or armpits
How to prevent type 2 diabetes?
You can take steps to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by losing weight if you are overweight, eating fewer calories, and being more physically active. Talk with your health care professional about any of the health conditions listed above that may require medical treatment.
What is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases?
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
Can lifestyle changes affect diabetes?
These lifestyle changes can affect your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Read about risk factors for type 2 diabetes below and see which ones apply to you. Taking action on the factors you can change can help you delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you. are overweight or obese.
Non-modifiable risk factors for Type 2 diabetes
Risk factors that increase your risk for developing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes that can’t be changed are:
Modifiable risk factors for Type 2 diabetes
You can — and should — do something about your modifiable risk factors. You can reduce your risk for diabetes or delay its development by making healthy changes:
What is the risk of developing type 1 diabetes?
The presence of damaging immune system cells (autoantibodies). Sometimes family members of people with type 1 diabetes are tested for the presence of diabetes autoantibodies. If you have these autoantibodies, you have an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. But not everyone who has these autoantibodies develops diabetes.
What causes diabetes and prediabetes?
In prediabetes — which can lead to type 2 diabetes — and in type 2 diabetes, your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, and your pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to overcome this resistance.
Why does gestational diabetes cause low blood sugar?
Sometimes babies of mothers with gestational diabetes develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shortly after birth because their own insulin production is high. Prompt feedings and sometimes an intravenous glucose solution can return the baby's blood sugar level to normal.
Why can't my pancreas keep up with my insulin?
When this happens, too little glucose gets into your cells and too much stays in your blood, resulting in gestational diabetes.
Why is glucose important for the body?
Glucose is vital to your health because it's an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. It's also your brain's main source of fuel.
What age does diabetes develop?
Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, can develop at any age, though it's more common in people older than 40.
What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes?
Some of the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are: Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there's not enough available insulin) Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections.
One minute for your risk
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