What are the Risk Factors for Diabetes, and What to Do?

According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report for 2022 presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 130 million adults have diabetes or prediabetes in the US. The most common cause of diabetes is the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or inability to properly use the same when produced in the right amounts. Insulin helps the body use glucose from food and convert it into energy. As we age, our cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. This means our bodies have to produce more insulin to get the same effect. Several other factors can contribute to a person developing El Centro diabetes including:
Obesity
Although obesity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, it is not true that all overweight people will develop diabetes. It is only one of the many factors that can predispose you to develop Type 2 diabetes. The good news is that even if you have a family history of diabetes, losing weight can help prevent or delay the disease. The key to maintaining weight loss is eating healthy foods and exercising regularly thestyleplus.
Physical inactivity
Physical inactivity increases the risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 3-4 times. This is because it causes your body to be insulin resistant, meaning it doesn’t use insulin or sugar properly. The more you exercise, the better you will control your blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes. You can also reduce your risk by being physically active every day.
High blood pressure
You are likely to develop diabetes if you have HBP. That is because high blood pressure increases the workload on your heart and kidneys, which can lead to damage and cell death in these organs. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, which increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes funnyjok.
Diabetes symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Uncomfortable fatigue
- Recurring infections, ulcers, and other problems involving the skin and mucous membranes
- Excessive thirst and hunger
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes: This is a disease that occurs when the body can’t make insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) into cells. Type 1 diabetes usually affects children and young adults.
Type 2 diabetes: This is a disease that occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces some insulin but can’t efficiently convert it into usable glucose. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in middle-aged and older people who have been overweight or obese most of their lives.
How to control diabetes
Do not skip meals: Skipping meals can cause low blood sugar. This is especially true if you don’t eat breakfast. Eat small frequent meals instead of three large ones spaced throughout the day.
Eat a well-balanced diet: It should include plenty of fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. These nutrients help control blood sugar levels by slowing down the breakdown or conversion of carbohydrates into glucose in your body.
If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels is key to managing the condition. Also, seeing your doctor regularly for a physical examination, blood tests, and other tests as needed is important. For a consultation, reach out to Prabhdeep Singh, MD, FACP.