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Obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Obesity is found in approximately 55% of patients diagnosed with type 2. The disease is becoming more common due to the growing number of older Americans, increasing obesity, and failure to exercise. Apple-shaped figure: Having an excess of fat above the hips usually means a greater risk factor for type 2 diabetes than for those who have a pear-shaped figure (excess of fat in the thighs and hips). Men with a waist size larger than 39.5 in. (100 cm), and women, 37.5 in. (95 cm) are at increased risk. Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age. Those over 45 are at a greater risk than their younger counterparts and those over 65 are three times as high as people in the 35 to 64 age group. Sedentary lifestyle: Exercising regularly and keeping your weight under control reduces your chances for getting type 2 diabetes. Those who have the disease should see an improvement in blood sugar levels as well. Family History: If you have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes you are at increased risk. Nearly 40 percent of women who have diabetes while being pregnant will develop type 2. Usually within five to ten years after delivery. Those with impaired glucose tolerance, also called impaired fasting glucose have a risk factor for type 2 diabetes that can occur prior to the development of type 2 . While those affected are not considered to have diabetes, their blood sugar is considered to be abnormal placing them at higher risk for heart disease as well as type 2. Glucose tolerance progressively declines as we age, and there is a high rate of type 2 diabetes and post challenge hyperglycemia in the older population. Ethnic Ancestry: Those of African, Aboriginal, Asian or Latin American ancestry are at greater risk of having type 2 diabetes. High Blood Pressure: This risk factor for type 2 diabetes is present in up to to 60 percent of people with undiagnosed diabetes. High Cholesterol and type 2 diabetes go hand in hand. Preventing and controlling diabetes goes beyond blood sugar control. Cholesterol levels should be managed with diet, exercise and the proper medications.
Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com
It's wise to know the type 2 diabetes risk factors and John Richmond, a frequent contributor to YourDiabetesInfo.com and diabetes researcher has other interesting articles there as well.
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