Risk
Factors for Diabetes
1.
History of diabetes in a parent or sibling
A
recent report based on information from adults previously
diagnosed with diabetes who participated in the National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that individuals with
a first degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister)
had an increased risk of getting diabetes. Individuals who
had a first degree relative with diabetes had a 14.3% chance
of developing diabetes. This study also showed individuals
risk for diabetes increased with the number of family members
diagnosed with diabetes (2).
2.
Obesity & physical inactivity
Obesity
is defined as being 20% over desired body weight or having
a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or greater. Obesity can keep
your body from making enough insulin or using insulin properly.
Physical
inactivity can also increase your risk for diabetes. Regular
exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels and is important
for weight control.
3.
History or gestational diabetes, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome), or having a baby greater than 9 lbs.
Women
with a history of gestational diabetes have a 40% greater
chance of having diabetes later in their life (3).
4.
Race
Certain
races/ethnic groups are at greater risk for getting diabetes.
Ethinic
groups at risk include:
- African
American
- Hispanic
American/Latino
- American
Indian
- Native
Alaskan
- Asian
American
- Pacific
Islander
5.
Age
You
are at greater risk for diabetes if you are older than 45
years of age. Your risk for diabetes continues to increase
with age.
6.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol
If
you have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, this
also increases your risk for diabetes.
Is
there anything I can do to decrease my risk of diabetes?
Yes!
Recent studies have shown promising results at reducing the
risk of diabetes. Age, race, and family history you have no
control over, but with diet and lifestyle modifications you
can significantly reduce your risk for diabetes. The Diabetes
Prevention Program, a recent federally funded study, has shown
that modifications in diet and exercise decrease the risk
of getting diabetes significantly. Persons in this study exercised
for 30 minutes 5 times per week, followed a low-fat and low-calorie
diet, and lost 5%-7% of thier body weight. These individuals
reduced their risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 58% (3).
What
if I have risk factors for diabetes?
If
you are above 45 years of age, you may want to be tested for
diabetes. You may also want to be tested if you are under
45 and have one or more risk factors.
References
1.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes
fact sheet:, http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/estimates.htm
2.
Annis AM, Caulder MS, Cook ML, Duquette D. Family history,
diabetes, and other demographic and risk factors among participants
of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002.
Prev Chronic Dis, 2005 Apr. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2005/apr/04_0131.htm.
3.
Food and Drug Administration. Diabetes Information: Questions
and Answers, http://www.fda.gov/diabetes/qna.html
|
