Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes!

Type 1 diabetes is commonly referred to as juvenile diabetes and is mostly witnessed among children. It can also occur in adults. In this condition, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or completely stops producing insulin. The immune system, which saves the body from foreign microbes, attacks the cells that are responsible for producing insulin. The treatment methods include taking insulin shots, taking healthy diet and increased physical activity.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition wherein the insulin is produced normally, but the body is not able to use it properly due to insulin resistance. It is the most common form of diabetes. In the earlier stages, patients have high insulin levels and they can be treated with oral glucose-lowering medicines. With time, pancreatic cells get damaged and insulin may be required to control the blood sugar. The treatment plan includes medication, making lifestyle changes, and controlling blood-sugar and cholesterol levels.

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops in some women during pregnancy. It usually occurs around 24th week. The hormones produced during pregnancy can block insulin to be used by the body.  These women have normal blood sugar before pregnancy and most of them have normal sugar after delivery also. But they require treatment of diabetes during pregnancy and many of them may become diabetic later in life. If untreated, it can have adverse effects on pregnancy and the baby.

Secondary diabetes – Rarely, diabetes can occur due to some other diseases like cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly, pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery, trauma or some drugs like steroids etc.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes

1. Weight: Being overweight is a primary risk factor for diabetes. An increased amount of adipose tissue increases the risk of insulin resistance by the body. It is therefore essential to shed as much weight as one can to avoid diabetes.

2. Inactivity: Immobility increases the risk of diabetes in a person. It causes insulin resistance, making it difficult for the body to use glucose and convert it into energy. A daily routine which is devoid of physical activity ensures fat storage in the body, which can turn into type 2 diabetes. So, engaging in moderate intensity physical activity for at least 30-45 minutes daily is very helpful.

3. Family history: Diabetes, especially type 2, is closely linked with family history. If a person has diabetes, it is more likely that his immediate family or extended family has a history of diabetes.

4. Ethnicity: African-Americans, people from the Indian subcontinent, Latinos, etc., are more likely to suffer from diabetes compared to their American or European counterparts.

5. Age: Age has a direct correlation with diabetes. The age group of 45–65 is considered to be more diabetes-prone. Inactivity, immobility, and an increase of sugar intake are some of the primary reasons for developing diabetes in this age group.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!