7 million of the 30 million Americans with diabetes are unaware of their condition. Are you worried that you will be one of the people who does not know? Several variables can make you more likely to acquire diabetes. Some things you have no control over, and others you do. If you have any diabetes risk factors, contact Desoto Family Care Clinic to make an appointment with the expert primary care practitioners. They could assist you in preventing diabetes by helping you manage your health. Alternatively, if you have diabetes, they offer extensive Southaven diabetes management. Schedule a consultation through mobile or request online to find out more.
A Quick Overview of Diabetes
It is crucial to know what diabetes is before diving into the risk factors. Diabetes is a long-term disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. It comes in two forms: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin; a hormone that transports glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells. Type 1 diabetes is more probable to occur in children and teenagers.
Type 2 diabetes patients produce insulin, but their bodies have trouble utilizing it efficiently. It can affect persons of all ages and is far more prevalent than type 1 diabetes.
Unmanageable Diabetes Risk Factors
You have no command over certain factors that enhance your diabetes susceptibility. These elements include:
- Age
- Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- Family history
- Racial background
Aside from the apparent aging signs like wrinkles and gray hair, growing older raises your chances of obtaining diabetes. Adults’ chances of developing diabetes begin to rise around 45 years of age. Nevertheless, as more young persons are diagnosed, this figure may decline.
If you suffer gestational diabetes, you could be more prone to acquire type 2 diabetes as you age. Women who had kids weighing 9 pounds or more during birth have a higher susceptibility to diabetes.
If any of your immediate relatives have diabetes, you are more likely to get it as well. Various ethnic groups, such as Native Americans, Latino Americans, African Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Asians, are also predisposed to diabetes.
Manageable Diabetes Risk Factors
You cannot control genetics or aging. Nonetheless, there are a few things you could do to lower your likelihood of acquiring diabetes. Manageable risk factors of diabetes include:
- Obesity and overweight
- High cholesterol or hypertension
- Physically inactive lifestyle
Excessive weight is perhaps the most significant risk factor for acquiring type 2 diabetes. Obese or overweight persons account for over 90% of patients with type 2 diabetes. Scholars are not certain how weight affects diabetes susceptibility, but they think it has something to do with your body’s sensitivity to insulin, making it less efficient.
Diabetes is more prone to develop if you have hypertension or elevated cholesterol levels. Weight loss and adopting dietary adjustments can help manage these factors, thus lowering your likelihood of suffering type 2 diabetes.
It is difficult enough balancing job and family, let alone attempting to fit in a workout. However, if you do not find time to be somewhat more active, you may increase your risk of acquiring diabetes. Inactivity is not as dangerous as obesity, but it is close, and you can control it.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that, if not appropriately managed, could result in complications, including cardiovascular illness, kidney damage, dementia, a higher risk of infections, and many more. At Desoto Family Care Clinic, the specialists offer expert diabetes management care, including education on lifestyle adjustments, prescriptions medications, and continuous support to control your blood sugar levels. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment today.
