Are you suffering from type 2 diabetes? Are you terrified of this disease and afraid to fight it? Well, you would be surprised to know that Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Paula Deen, Randy Jackson, Delta Burke, Larry Kind, and many other famous personalities are victims of type 2 diabetes.
Americans are most likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 40 or above, while South Asian people are diagnosed at a much lower age. Addiction to smoking and alcohol can also severely damage the body balance and insulin resistance and lead to type 2 diabetes in people at a lower age.
Type 2 Diabetes
According to a reputed organization, almost 382 million people across the world are living with diabetes. This figure is not expected to decrease by 2035. So, in the face of rising numbers, you might wonder what the risk factors are for type 2 diabetes. Well, researchers are not fully confident about their assessment of risk factors, but they are certain about the factors mentioned below. Hence, we may include the following 10 items as risk factors for diabetes type 2.
Overweight
Obesity or being overweight is one of the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Four out of every five obese people suffer from type 2 diabetes. This is the single greatest risk factor for this disease. The higher the amount of fatty tissues you have, the higher the chance that you will become a victim of type 2 diabetes. This is because your cells become resistant to insulin.
Inactivity
Inactivity is another risk factor. Physical activity helps you to keep type 2 diabetes under control by controlling your weight, using up glucose for energy, and making your cells sensitive to insulin.
Family history
Genetic linkage is a risk factor. You will be at increased risk if your parents have developed this disease.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is another risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It is a condition where your blood sugar levels are beyond the normal level, but have not yet reached the level for diabetes diagnosis.
Birth of an overweight baby
If you have given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds, then you are likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Fat distribution
If your body happens to accumulate all the body fat in your abdomen, then you are at a greater risk for type 2 diabetes. If the fat is distributed throughout your body, your risk is lower.
Race
People of certain ethnicities, such as Blacks, American Indians, Hispanics, and Asian Americans, are at greater risk. However, the precise reason for this is still unclear.
Age
Age is another risk factor. As you grow older, you are more likely to develop this disease. At ages over 45, people are likely to exercise less, gain weight, and lose muscle mass, leading to this disease.
PCOD
Nowadays, a greater number of women are becoming victims of polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition is characterized by obesity, excess hair growth, and irregular periods. This is a prominent risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure
Hypertension is another risk factor.
Since 2001, Dr. Alexander Salerno has led Salerno Medical Associates in East Orange, New Jersey. Dr. Alexander Salerno focuses largely on urban communities and on delivering patient education about both medical and behavioral health issues, including alcohol addiction.
