Chronic diabetes includes type 1 and 2, characterized by the body’s inability to make or use insulin correctly. The primary type 1 and 2 difference is how the condition affects the blood sugar and the common risk factors. You could also experience prediabetes or gestational diabetes. They are reversible and not classified as chronic conditions. Prediabetes is a precursor to diabetes, but proper measures can stop its progression. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and can subside after delivery. Understanding Farmers Branch diabetes common risk factors can help you take the right steps and avoid progression or start treatment and management before the condition takes a toll on your overall health. Read on for more on the diabetes risk factors.
Type 1 diabetes
The condition is characterized by the inability to make enough insulin and, in other cases, no production at all. Type 1 diabetes treatment usually entails insulin injection, lifestyle, and dietary measures. The common risks factors include:
- Age: Type 1 diabetes is common at a younger age. It develops in children, teens, and young individuals. It typically develops at or below 14 years and rarely later in life.
- Family history: If your parent or sibling has type 1 diabetes, you are at risk of developing the condition.
- Genetic makeup: Besides family history, genetic consideration such as based on race also impacts your type 1 diabetes risk. If you are white, you are at higher risk compared to Latino, Hispanic, or African Americans.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent. Your body can make insulin, but the hormone is not effectively used. This means the cells are less sensitive to insulin, which leaves you with more blood sugar. The condition usually moves through prediabetes. This is a stage where it is still reversible through lifestyle changes. Type 2 diabetes treatments include oral, non-insulin medication. Injections may also be required if it does not respond to oral medication and lifestyle changes. Type two diabetes risk factors can be categorized into preventable and unpreventable risks.
Unpreventable risk factors
- Race
- Age as the risk increases as you age and is prevalent in individuals over 45 year
- Family history, as type 2 diabetes can run in families, including gestational diabetes that can progress into type 2 diabetes.
- Health conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), acanthosis nigricans, and depression
Preventable risk factors
Type 2 diabetes risk factors you can manage with certain steps include:
- Weight: Obesity or excessive weight, especially around your midriff, increases the chances of developing type diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle: Little or no exercise exposes you to more health problems, including compromised heart health
- Blood vessel or heart problems like stroke
- Low levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein, also known as good cholesterol)
- High triglycerides fat levels
- High blood pressure, especially if not well managed
The preventable risks can be managed through lifestyle changes and dietary measures. Even when battling other health concerns, your doctor can help you find physical activities, dietary measures, and habits that can minimize the preventable type 2 diabetes risk factors.
Diabetes exposes you to more health concerns. This includes cardiovascular concerns, non-healing ulcers, and amputations, to mention a few. Call or visit Redwood Family Health Center for diabetes prevention recommendations, diagnosis, and treatment.
