Diabetes is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic disease that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose) for energy.

The hormone insulin helps in moving glucose from the blood to cells in the body where it is used as energy. Diabetes occurs when either the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively. This results in high blood sugar levels which, if not managed, can lead to severe health complications.

The Different Types of Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes:.

Type 1 Diabetes:

This type of diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body is unable to absorb glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.

This is the most common type of diabetes and is often diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, but can also affect children and teenagers.

Gestational Diabetes:

Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who did not previously have diabetes. This type of diabetes usually resolves after the delivery of the baby.

However, women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Are You at Risk of Developing Diabetes?

Diabetes risk factors can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Non-modifiable risk factors are factors that cannot be changed, while modifiable risk factors can be changed or managed.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Diabetes

The following factors increase your risk of developing diabetes but cannot be changed:.

Family History and Genetics:

If you have a family history of diabetes, you are at an increased risk of developing the condition. Furthermore, certain gene variants increases the risk of developing diabetes. These include the CDKAL1, CDKN2A/B, HHEX/IDE, and TCF7L2 genes.

Age:

The risk of diabetes increases as you get older. Type 2 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, although it can also develop in children and teenagers.

Ethnicity:

Some ethnic groups are more prone to developing diabetes compared to others. For example, individuals of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to Caucasians.

Modifiable Risk Factors for Diabetes

The following modifiable risk factors can be managed to lower your risk of developing diabetes:.

Overweight and Obesity:

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, over 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.

Reducing body weight through a healthy diet and regular physical activity have been shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Sedentary Lifestyle:

Lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing diabetes. Regular physical activity helps to improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control.

Unhealthy Diet:

A diet that is high in sugar, fat, and calories and low in fiber increases the risk of developing diabetes. Making dietary changes that emphasize whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes:

If you have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Therefore, it is essential to undergo regular screening for diabetes after pregnancy.

The Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes are similar for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes symptoms may develop more slowly and may not be as noticeable as type 1 diabetes symptoms. Some common symptoms of diabetes include:.

Increased thirst and frequent urination
Extreme hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet (type 2 diabetes)

The Importance of Regular Screening for Diabetes

Many people with diabetes are not aware that they have the condition. This is because the symptoms can develop gradually and may be attributed to other factors.

Regular screening for diabetes is essential to ensure early detection and management of the condition.

The Bottom Line

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The risk factors for diabetes can be modified and managed to reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Regular screening for diabetes is essential to ensure early detection and management of the condition.