Will You Get Diabetes?

Have you ever really thought about diabetes? Have you seriously thought that you could develop this disease? Most people think about cancer and heart disease -- and how to prevent them -- but what about diabetes?

 

If you've never thought about it before now, you are not alone. In fact, three-quarters of those over the age of 45 don't know whether they have diabetes. Yet more than 16 million of us have the disease. So how can you tell if you are likely to be one of the people who get it? They key is to llok at factors that increase your chances of getting diabetes -- the risk factors. Read the following statements and circle those that apply to you:

 

Risk Factors For Diabetes:

  • I'm over the age of 45

  • One of my parents, brothers, or sisters has diabetes.

  • I'm a woman who gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth, or I have a history of gestational diabetes.

  • My doctor has told me that I have impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.

  • Me heritage is African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.

  • I have high blood pressure.

  • I have a low high-density lipoprotetin (HDL, the 'good' cholesterol) level or a high triglyceride level.

  • My weight is 20 percent or more above the recommended weight for my height.

  • I don't exercise much or I'm not very active on a day-to-day basis.

Now look back over the list. The more statements you have circled, the greater your chances of developing diabetes during your life.

 

When you look over the list, you may notice that some of the risk factors are beyond your control, such as age, having a family history of diabetes, giving birth to a large baby, or your heritage. This could make you feel like there's no chance of preventing diabetes. But look at the list again and notice all of the factors you can work to control, like your weight and activity level.

 

Although having several uncontrollable risk factors significantly increases your. chances of developing diabetes, changing those factors that are within our control, like weight and exercise, can increase the likelihood you'll live into your golden years without ever getting this chronic disease.

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