Am I at Risk for Diabetes?

Across the nation, health clinics and medical professionals screen for diabetes risks. With millions of Americans being diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to be sure that people with diabetes receive the proper care and treatment so that they can manage their condition. Diabetes is a chronic condition that cannot be reversed. However, its side effects can be minimized with proper management.

Even though diabetes cannot be cured, many people believe that diabetes can be prevented with proper prevention techniques. One of the first things you can do to prevent diabetes is to learn more about what causes diabetes - and what might put you at greater risk for it.

Here's an overview of factors that can lead to diabetes:

Age

More people over the age of 45 are at risk for diabetes than people under the age of 45, according to the American Diabetes Association. Age is a factor for a variety of reasons, including body condition, activity level, and weight.

Family history

Studies indicate that diabetes does run in families. Having a parent or a sibling with diabetes can significantly increase your risk of developing the condition. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your family history as you look for ways to prevent or manage the condition. Ancestry is also tied together with race and ethnicity risks for some people.

Race or ethnicity

According to TypeFree - an online resource for information about diabetes, native Hawaiians, Native Americans, African Americans, and Alaska natives are about twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than Caucasians. Japanese men are 60 percent more likely to develop the condition than Caucasian men. In fact, diabetes is the fifth most common cause of death amongst individuals belonging to the Asian and Pacific Island populations.

Physical activity level

Individuals with a high level of physical activity are less likely to develop diabetes than individuals with a sedentary lifestyle. Staying active helps to promote blood flow, burn calories, reduce body weight, and build muscle - all which can help to offset the onset of diabetes. Being overweight is a huge risk factor for diabetes.

High blood pressure

Diabetes and heart conditions are closely linked. Therefore, high blood pressure can be a strong risk factor for diabetes. Individuals with high blood pressure should get regular screenings - and vice versa.

If you think you may be at risk for developing diabetes, speak with your doctor about preventative measures. Your doctor can also test you to see if you are pre-diabetic or close to becoming diabetic based on your blood glucose levels.