10 Diabetes Risk Factors

Diabetes is when the Pancreas, a very important organ, no longer produces the hormone insulin. Or what is produced is not used efficiently in the body as it goes through the blood stream to various cells to provide energy. There is Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes.

What are the risk factors?

1. Age - As you get older the chances of becoming Diabetic increases. It usually becomes a problem once an individual reaches over the age of 45 or 50.

2. Having a Sedentary life style - Most individuals do not exercise and they live a very sedentary life. More time is spent watching TV, playing electronic games or using the computer than walking, running, hiking and engaging in any other physical activities. Families don't promote physical activities where parents and children are active together, nor do they encourage their children to play outside with other children like in the old days.

3. Belonging to certain ethnic groups - Statistic show that African Americans, Native Americans, Asians and Hispanics have a higher chance of becoming Diabetic than Caucasians.

4. Being overweight - Obesity is a major risk factor in most health problems and Diabetes is no exception. When someone is overweight they more than double their chances of becoming Diabetic, if they are obese it is 80 times more likely they will become Diabetic.

5. Family History - If someone in your direct family line, such as parent, grandparent, sibling has a history of Diabetes you are at risk. But more than that, if you live the same unhealthy lifestyle that they live you increase your chances of being Diabetic.

6. High Blood pressure - If you chronically suffer from high blood
Pressure you are at risk for Diabetes. High blood pressure (hypertension) adds to the workload of the heart, arteries and kidneys. Damage to kidneys are long term and cause related complications.

7. Having cancer - Individuals who have or had cancer may find that they are effected with serious Diabetic complications.

8. Smoking - Because of the poisonous carcinogens in Nicotine it is a precursor for almost any Disease the body can contract including Diabetes.

9. Current Lifestyle - In order to decrease your chances of becoming Diabetic you must eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest, exercise 3 - 4 days each week, and not over indulge in sugary foods. In many cases you have to change your current lifestyle.

10. High Sugar intake - The average American consumes 2 - 3 pounds of sugar each week. That comes from eating; cakes, cookies, candy, chips, sugary cereals, soda/pops, fruit juices, etc. If you find that you crave simple carbs and other forms of sugar you should see a doctor because you are probably at risk.

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