Risk Factors for Diabetes - Can You Become Diabetic?

The exact causes of Type I diabetes and Type II diabetes are not truly known, there seem to be two common prerequisites. The obvious one is a genetic link. It is possible to inherit the tendency to developing diabetes. Secondly, it's possible for environmental triggers to bring on diabetes. Some studies are now researching the possibility that certain viruses can trigger the onset of Type 1 diabetes.

With the possible exception of environmental triggers, why Type 1 diabetes happens is relatively difficult to ascertain. But unlike Type 1 diabetes, risk factors for Type 2 diabetes have been more readily identified. Genetics and family medical history play a large role in whether an individual will become diabetic. Fortunately, some of these risk factors can be prevented or reversed prior to the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

The number one risk factor is obesity. It is estimated that nearly 60 million adults are obese according to The National Center for Health Statistics. The study conducted by the same organization states that an alarming number of children are also overweight. Since 1980, the number of obese children has tripled. Not surprisingly, the number of children being diagnosed with Type II diabetes has also risen.

Leading an inactive, sedentary lifestyle is one the worse things for someone predisposed to diabetes. Not only does inactivity contribute to overall poor health, it is a major cause of rising obesity rates. Exercising daily will greatly enhance your health with the added bonus of reducing risks factors for developing diabetes.

There are many studies showing that nearly 90% of Type II diabetes sufferers are also overweight. Poor eating habits contribute to obesity. Consuming too much fat and simple carbohydrates with little or no fiber increase the risk of developing Type II diabetes.

There is a family history and genetic link to those who are at higher risk for diabetes. If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, you may be at a higher risk than someone who doesn't have that genetic history.

As we get older, our bodies become more inefficient in carrying out certain functions, including the production of insulin. While age in and of itself is not a risk factor, it does increase the chance for developing Type 2 diabetes even in relatively thin persons. As we age, so do the cells in our bodies which become more resistant to insulin.

Having high blood pressure is both a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes and a complication of diabetes. People with hypertension are more than twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood pressure. High cholesterol (high LDL and triglyceride: so-called "bad cholesterols") levels also place you at increased risk for developing diabetes and is also associated with risk of heart disease.

Women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk as well. This type of diabetes affects around 4% of all women who are pregnant. Studies have shown that many women who have this type of diabetes go on to develop Type II diabetes even years later in life. Their children who were in the womb at the time of the gestational diabetes also have some risk of developing diabetes later in their life.

Certain ethnic groups are at higher risk than others for developing Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Native Americans and Asian American/Pacific Islanders all are at greater risk for diabetes.

Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that strikes millions of people. Find out what makes Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes so dangerous and how to tell the symptoms of diabetes are at DiabetesCareFAQs.com

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Risk Factors for Diabetes - Can You Become Diabetic?
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