Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body does not make or use insulin in the correct way. Different types of diabetes have various risk factors and effects on blood sugar.
Knowing the risk factors for diabetes is vital for preventing its more severe effects and damage. As diabetes often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, taking steps to reduce the risk factors can prevent or even reverse the condition.
Three main kinds of diabetes are Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, along with their primary risk factors. Risk Factors For People With Diabetes are:
Risk factor for Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition. The body does not produce enough insulin, while blood sugar levels remain high unless a person uses medication to manage them.
The main risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:
- Family history: Having a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes increases the risk of a person having the same type. If both parents have type 1 diabetes, the risk is even higher.
- Age: Type 1 diabetes usually develops in younger adults and children. It is one of the most common chronic conditions that develop in childhood. Children are typically younger than 14 years old when they receive a diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes might occur at any age, although developing type 1 diabetes later in life is rare.
- Genetics: Having specific genes may increase the risk of type 1 diabetes. A person’s doctor can check for these genes.
Risk factor for Type 2 diabetes
You’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- Have prediabetes
- Are overweight
- Are 45 years or older
- Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than 3 times a week
- Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds!
If you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease you may also be at risk for type 2 diabetes.
You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with simple, proven lifestyle changes such as losing weight if you’re overweight, eating healthier, and getting regular physical activity.
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