Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

Nearly six million Americans have type 2 diabetes and dont even know it, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Additionally, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes climbs as you age. It is recommended that everybody over 45 years old, particularly if you are overweight, gets tested for diabetes.

Symptoms for diabetes are sometimes so mild that you may not even notice them until you have complications, including heart trouble or blurry vision. These symptoms include increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, increased urination, weight loss, blurred vision and sores that heal slowly. Getting tested and receiving treatment early prevents further damage to your body.

As you age, there are certain risk factors that you should take into consideration when considering whether you might develop diabetes. People who have a family history of diabetes, such as a parent or sister, or whos family background is Hispanic, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian American, African American or Pacific Islander have an increased risk. Women who have had gestational diabetes or have polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to develop diabetes. Additionally, people with higher than normal blood pressure or cholesterol, people with a history of cardiovascular disease and people who are inactive or exercise less than three times a week are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Research from the Diabetes Prevention Program has indicated that people that have a higher risk of developing diabetes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes by losing weight though a healthy diet combined with exercise. This can be done by including some sort of physical activity in your weekly routine and reducing your fat and calorie intake. This is especially important after the age of 35, when the risk for developing diabetes is elevated.