Diabetes Risk Factors - Are You Safe?

By: Denise Durbin

Why some individuals develop diabetes and others don't is not known with any degree of certainty. However, there appears to be two underlying factors that may point to developing diabetes. The most common one is genetic pre-disposition. Environmental triggers such as exposure to certain foods too early in an infant's life is the second factor.

Risk factors for Type I diabetes are pretty much unknown. However, there are many risk factors for Type II diabetes that have been identified. Family history and genetics can play a part, but some of those can be turned around to either prevent or reverse Type II diabetes. What are the risk factors for Type II diabetes?

For Type II diabetes, obesity is the number one risk factor. Nearly 60 million adults qualify as obese in accordance with a study undertaken by the National Center of Health Statistics. Even more alarming is the study's finding that the instances of Type II diabetes in children has risen at greater rates. It should be no surprise that the number of overweight childhood has tripled since 1980.

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 diabetes 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.

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.

High cholesterol and high blood pressure are two key elements that factor into developing Type II diabetes. The combination of both disorders is related to what is called Metabolic Syndrome, which simply stated, is a group of symptoms that include high blood pressure, high blood fats and central obesity (excess abdominal fat). This syndrome also includes insulin resistance, a precursor to developing diabetes.

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.

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Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of adults and children. Find out what makes Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes potential killers and what the symptoms of diabetes are at DiabetesCareFAQs.com

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