Are you at risk?
Diabetes occurs in two main forms – Type 1 and Type 2.
No lifestyle changes would reduce your risk of developing Type 1 of the condition but Type 2 stems from both genetic and environmental factors. With obesity on the rise this is fast becoming the most common strain of diabetes.
Sara Spiers from Diabetes UK highlights the risk factors involved with Diabetes Type 2 which could lead to you developing the condition. If you fall into one or more of the following categories its worth getting checked out.
- Genetics. Does it run in the family? This is particularly relevant if any member of your immediate family is diabetic.
- Weight. Over 80% of people diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2 are overweight. If you are an overweight woman and also suffering with polycystic ovary syndrome you are at an increased risk.
- Waist Size. Women with a waist of 31 and a half inches or more could be at risk, as well as Asian men with waists over 35 inches and white/black men with waists measuring more than 37 inches.
- Origin: Afro-Caribbean and South Asian people living in the UK are at least 5 times more likely to have diabetes than the white population.
- Age: If you are from a black, ethnic, or south asian ethnic group and aged over 25 you could be at risk, or if you are white and over 40.
- Health: If you have high blood pressure or have had a heart attack or stroke then you are at an increased risk. Having higher than normal glucose in the blood could also put you at risk along with suffering from severe mental problems.
- Other factors. Pregnant women can develop temporary diabetes known as gestational diabetes. This, and giving birth to a large baby could lead to developing the condition later in life.
