Can I Get Diabetes?
September 16, 2009 No CommentsAccording to statistics -over 2 million people in the UK have diabetes. There is also speculation that 3/4 million people have it but are not aware of it!
There are two types of diabetes:
Type 1 – Which is usually diagnosed prior to age 30, can be inherited and requires insulin injections as the pancreas has stopped producing insulin altogether.
Type 2 – The the condition develops over many years. Unlike type 1 diabetes where the pancreas no longer produces insulin- with type 2 diabetes, some insulin function can be present and therefore patients can be treated successfully with diet and drugs to stimulate and increase insulin production.
What are the risks for type 2 diabetes?
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age and is more prevalent within the middle-age group (40+) and the elderly population. Increased risk includes:
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Impaired glucose intolerance/impaires fasting glycaemia
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A family history of diabetes
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Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25
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Male with waist size above 37 inches
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Female waist size above 31.5 inches
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A sedentry lifestyle
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Stroke/angina/poor circulation/hypertention
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Has suffered or has gestational (pregnancy) diabetes
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Has given birth to a baby over 9 pounds
How can I decrease my risk of developing diabetes?
You can decrease you risk of developing diabetes by eating healthier and exercising regularly. This will significantly help to keep you blood pressure and BMI within safe limits as well as keep your waistline in check.
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