Diabetes Risk Factors - Are You Safe?

Diabetes Risk Factors - Are You Safe?

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What causes Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes 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 diabetes 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 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.

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.

Eating poorly or the wrong foods will also contribute to obesity. Studies show that almost 90% of people with Type 2 diabetes are also clinically obese. Lack of adequate fiber in the diet and too much fat and simple carbs increase the risk of developing Type 2 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.

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

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 serious disease that strikes millions of people. Find out what makes Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes potential killers and what the symptoms of diabetes are at DiabetesCareFAQs.com



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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