Blake Medical Center

Do You Know the Risk Factors for Diabetes?

According to the New York Times, more than 23 million Americans currently have diabetes, along with another 57 million with pre-diabetes. Although type 2 diabetes is primarily found in those over age 45, the numbers for younger adults and teens continue to rise every year. Smaller children are at risk to develop type 1 diabetes, which appears during childhood. Are you or your children likely to receive this life-changing diagnosis? In honor of American Diabetes Month, learn about the risk factors that could influence your future health and lifestyle.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs in children when their pancreas stops creating insulin, bringing about a life-long disease that will need daily treatment. Children at risk for diabetes will often have a family history of the condition. Type 1 diabetes can also be caused by an injury or disease in the pancreas, sometimes caused by infection or a serious illness.

Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more easily prevented than type 1. The American Diabetes Association lists several risk factors that can be avoided, including:

• Obesity
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Poor nutritional habits
• Low HDL cholesterol
• High blood pressure

Unfortunately, some risk factors cannot be helped, such as family history, advanced age, impaired glucose tolerance, women with a history of gestational diabetes, and some racial groups including American Indians, Non-Hispanic blacks, Latino Americans, and Asian Americans.

Some researchers have observed a link between mental health and type 2 diabetes, particularly for patients struggling with depression or schizophrenia. 

Gestational Diabetes
This common condition can develop during the third trimester of a pregnancy. Women are at a higher risk for gestational diabetes if they are over 25, already diagnosed with pre-diabetes, have a history of gestational diabetes, or have previously given birth a baby over nine pounds.

Diabetes is managed by diet, exercise/activity and medications, if necessary. For more answers about preventing diabetes, please contact Blake Medical Center. You can visit us online, or call our free Consult-A-Nurse® service at 1-888-359-3552.

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Tags: Blake Medical Center, Bradenton, diabetes, Florida, nutrition, prevention