Friday, December 15, 2006

Top 6 Risk Factors for Developing Type 2 Diabetes

There are numerous risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Factors such as hamily history and genetics are going to be with us always, however, there are many other risk factors that can be prevented and put you at a lower risk. We will go over these risks and what we can do to prevent them.

1) Obesity

This is the number one risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Higher weight puts you at higher risk of insulin resistance because fat will impair the body's ability to use the insulin it is creating. The National Center for Health Statistics has stated that 30 percent of adults are obese and the number of overweight kids has tripled since 1980. This means that over 60 million adults and children are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

2) Sedentary Lifestyle

The Surgeons General's Report on Physical Actiity and Health, published in 1996, stated "a sedentary lifestyle is damaging to health and bears responsibility for the growing obesity problems". Obesity and inactivity greatly increse your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Muscle cells have many more insulin receptors than fat cells, meaning that you can decrease insulin resistance by exercising regularly. Being active and exercising also lowers your blood sugar levels by making insulin more efficient.

3) Unhealthy Eating habits

90% of people who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. The number one cause of obesity is unhealthy eating habits. Eating too much fat and simple carbohydrates without enough fiber can contribute greatly to a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. A more healthy diet can help you prevent Type 2 diabetes.

4) Increased Age

As our age increases, so does our risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Even if an elderly person is in good shape, their risk for Type 2 will still be greater. Scientists believe that this is due to an aging pancreas that is not as efficient as when we were younger. Our cells age as well and become more resistant to insulin.

5) High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

These two factors are large risk factors for many diseases and conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. They are two key factors of Metabolic syndrome which is a group of symptoms including obesity, a high fat diet, and lack of exercise. Metabolic syndrome can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

6) History of Gestational Diabetes

This condition affects about 4% of pregnant women. It occurs when the placenta hormones make the mother's cells more resisntant to insulin. Many of these women will be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later on in life. Also, their babies will have an elevated risk of developing diabetes.

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