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Do You Have These Diabetes Risk Factors?
By Denise Durbin
What causes Type 1 or Type 2 is not definitively known, but there now appears to be at least two general factors that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. The first factor is genetics, who in your family has diabetes? If one parent has diabetes, your chances of developing increase greatly. The second factor is environmental. Several studies have indicated that exposure to cow's milk, wheat products or intestinal viruses in the first few months of a baby's life increase the child's chances of developing Type 1 diabetes.

With the possible exception of environmental triggers, why Type 1 happens is relatively difficult to ascertain. But unlike Type 1 diabetes, risk factors for Type 2 have been more readily identified. Genetics and family medical history play a large role in whether an individual will become diabetic. Fortunately, some of these risk factors can be prevented or reversed prior to the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Obesity is probably the highest risk factor when it comes to Type 2 diabetes. According to the National Center of Health Statistics, almost 60 million adults are within weight levels defined as being obese. The Center's study also reveals that the number of children who are overweight is rising at alarming numbers. Obesity in children has tripled since 1980. Even more alarming is that the number of children who have been diagnosed with Type 2 has also risen.

Leading an inactive, sedentary lifestyle is one the worse things for someone predisposed to diabetes. Not only does inactivity contribute to overall poor health, it is a major cause of rising obesity rates. Exercising daily will greatly enhance your health with the added bonus of reducing risks factors for developing diabetes.

Unhealthy eating habits go hand-in-hand with obesity. Nearly 90% of people who have developed and been diagnosed with Type II are overweight. If a person's diet contains too much fat and simple carbohydrates and not enough fiber, they are at risk for the development of Type II diabetes.

In addition, family history and genetics also play a role in bearing a higher risk for diabetes. Having a family member who has been diagnosed with is an indication that you may be at higher risk for developing diabetes.

One risk factor over which we have no control

is our age. Each year we turn another year older, the risk of developing Type II is greater. Even those older people who are thin can get this disease. Scientists have speculated that our bodies, including our pancreas which control insulin production, age right along with us. As we get older, our pancreas doesn't function as efficiently as it may have when we were younger. Also, our cells age as we do and they become more resistant to insulin as the years pass.

Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome are at high risk of developing Type II diabetes. Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors that include central obesity (characterized by excessive fatty tissue around the abdomen), blood fat disorders such as high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, glucose intolerance and elevated blood pressure.

Type 2 increases by up to 50 percent in women who have during pregnancy. Known as gestational mellitus or GDM, it places both mother and child at risk for developing Type 2 in later years.

Ethnicity also plays a large role in determining risk of developing Type II diabetes. Numerous studies have evidenced that African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are all at increased risk of developing Type II diabetes.

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Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of people. Find out why are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes potential killers and what the symptoms of diabetes are at DiabetesCareFAQs.com