Diabetes Risk Factors

A recent study estimated that approximately 41 million American have pre-diabetes. People who have pre-diabetes usually exhibit elevated blood sugar levels, but are still able to process sugars known as glucose, the energy that powers the body's cells. American Diabetes Association believes that 58% of individuals with pre-diabetes are capable of avoiding diabetes or delaying its onset provided they recognize the diabetes risk factors and take proper measures to take care of their body.

American Diabetes Services is a leading provider for free diabetic supplies. In an effort to educate the community about pre-diabetes, we have provided a list of diabetes risk factors:

• Family history of diabetes
• Low activity level
• Poor diet
• Excess body weight
• Age
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal cholesterol levels
• Impaired Glucose Intolerance
• Gestational Diabetes
• Ethnic Heritage

Everyone over the age of 45 should get their blood glucose levels checked every three years for early detection of diabetes. Individuals who match some or all of the diabetes risk factors should consult with their doctor for recommendations on testing for diabetes.

Can diabetes be prevented?

Maybe someday. A study being conducted at Joslin Diabetes Center and several other sites nationwide are screening the immediate relatives of someone with type 1 diabetes. Doctors can now identify those who will develop this type of diabetes as much as five or more years in advance.

While Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, we still do not understand it very well. Recent diabetes research does suggest that there are some things you can do to reduce the type 2 diabetes risk factors. Eating right and exercising can address some of the risk factors that are not genetically inherited or related to age. There is a diabetes research study is now underway to see if type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Changes in lifestyle, (more exercise and weight loss), and certain diabetic medications are being tested together to see if by eliminating these risk factors, type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

Diabetes Risk Factors Test

American Diabetes Services has created a simple test to let you know if you have any of the diabetes risk factors. Please answer 'Yes' or 'No' to these questions:

• Does your mother, father or siblings have diabetes?
• Do you exercise?
• Do you eat foods that are high in sugar?
• Are you overweight or obese?
• Are you 45 years old or older?
• Is your blood pressure reading consistently 140/90 mmHg or higher?
• Are your HDL cholesterol levels under 35 mg/dL?
• Are your triglyceride levels over 250 mg/dl?
• Did your doctor previously diagnose you with impaired glucose intolerance?
• Are you a woman who experienced gestational diabetes while you where pregnant?
• Are you an African-American, Hispanic-American, or Native American?

If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, you could be at risk for diabetes. We encourage you to contact your doctor and tell him your concerns. This diabetes risk factors test only lets you know if you are at risk and is not a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis.