Diabetes Risk Factors - Are You Safe?
by Denise Durbin
The exact causes of Type I diabetes and Type II diabetes are not truly known, there seem to be two common prerequisites. The obvious one is a genetic link. It is possible to inherit the tendency to developing diabetes. Secondly, it's possible for environmental triggers to bring on diabetes. Some studies are now researching the possibility that certain viruses can trigger the onset of Type 1 diabetes.
With the pos
sible exception of environmental triggers, why Type 1 diabetes happens is relatively difficult to ascertain. But unlike Type 1 diabetes, risk factors for Type 2 diabetes 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. The number one risk factor is obesity. It is estimated that nearly 60 million adults are obese according to The National Center for Health Statistics. The study conducted by the same organization states that an alarming number of children are also overweight. Since 1980, the number of obese children has tripled. Not surprisingly, the number of children being diagnosed with Type II diabetes has also risen.
A sedentary lifestyle lends itself to obesity and diabetes. Inactivity is damaging to health overall and it's definitely the cause for the rise in obesity. By not exercising or being more physically fit, you are compounding the risk of developing diabetes. You can take steps today to improve your health by starting up a simple program of exercise each day such as short walks that gradually increase in duration and pace.
There are many studies showing that nearly 90% of Type II diabetes sufferers are also overweight. Poor eating habits contribute to obesity. Consuming too much fat and simple carbohydrates with little or no fiber increase the risk of developing Type II diabetes.
Genetics and family history also factor into your risk of developing Type II diabetes. If you have a parent or sibling with Type II diabetes, then your own chances of developing diabetes are increased twofold.
Age is a risk factor by virtue of the fact that as we grow older, the pancreas which controls insulin production grows older as well and becomes less efficient. Our cells also become less capable of processing blood glucose. As a result, with each passing year, the risk of Type II diabetes becomes higher. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 50% of Type II diabetes occur in persons over 55 years of age.
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.
Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy are at greater risk of developing Type II diabetes later in life. Children born to women with gestational diabetes also are at greater risk of eventually developing Type II diabetes.
Certain ethnic groups are at higher risk than others for developing Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Native Americans and Asian American/Pacific Islanders all are at greater risk for diabetes.
About the Author
Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that strikes millions of people. Learn why are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes so dangerous and how to tell the symptoms of diabetes are at DiabetesCareFAQs.com