Risk for Diabetes 

Who is at Risk for Diabetes? 

Published by The Diabetes Association, genetics and family health history, diseases of the pancreas, and infection that causes illness to the pancreas most closely are associated with the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, type 2 diabetes causality is tied to being overweight or obese.[1] If you have a family history of diabetes, genetic factors can lead to type 1 or type 2 diabetes given other qualifying factors exist. Factors including health metrics and extracted values expressed by your high blood pressure, age, if you are a man or woman, your race, level of physical activity or daily exercise, body weight (especially if you are obese), your regular diet and lifestyle. Please click on the + sign next to Who is at Risk for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes below to review a comprehensive outline establishing criteria and standards to consider for people who may be at risk for diabetes.

Risk Factors of Diabetes 

The amount of elevated blood sugar and other preexisting conditions affect the signs and symptoms of diabetes. People who experience mild symptoms or no symptoms may, in fact, be candidates for prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. People with Type 1 diabetes experience and express moderate to severe symptoms of diabetes.

Who is at risk for Type 1 Diabetes:

• People disposed to genetics and family history of diabetes
• People managing diseases of the pancreas
• People who have specific illnesses or infections that affect the pancreas

Who is at risk for Type 2 Diabetes:

• Primarily obese and overweight
  People who are overweight or obese indicated by BMI values of 25 or above.
• Distribution of fat at the waist
  People who hold a majority of their body fat around their mid-waist as opposed to their hips or lower-extremities.
• Lead a Sedentary Lifestyle
  Specifically the lack of consistent physical activity or moderate exercise each day.
• Race
  Non-Whites vs Hispanics, People of African descent, American Indians, and American Asians are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
• Adults Age 45 and over
  Although alarming statistics add young people to the age category at risk for type 2 diabetes, the common factor qualifying all ages in inactivity, specifically the lack of regular moderately intense exercise for 1 hour in duration daily.
• People with regular high blood sugar defined as pre diabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes
  Developed in previously overweight or obese pregnant women.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome in women along with obesity[2]

Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is thought of as lifestyle induced diabetes and can develop at any age. Type 2 diabetes is most common among adults. Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed early in life, typically during early childhood or adolescence. If you feel or experience any of these signs or symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately.

Essentially, if you schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to open dialog or perform blood tests to determine your known risks for diabetes you can better assess other factors that can lead to either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. With special consideration to type 2 diabetes, it is essential that you simply eat a well-balanced diet complete with whole foods, adequate nutrition, and nutrients devoid of high sugar foods, and exercise regularly. This combination of exercise and diet can help you either avoid or manage diabetes. Obviously, prevention is key. Explore other questions asked about diabetes by simply clicking on the Diabetes Information links above in the table of contents. Again, always check with your doctor if you believe you might have concerns related to your risk of developing diabetes.

People Most at Risk for Diabetes

African Americans

Hispanic Americans

Caucasian Americans