Article Details
Diabetes - assessing your risk |
| Date Added: November 19, 2009 05:30:24 PM |
| Author: Hashima |
| Category: |
| There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the human body does not make insulin at all. People suffering from type 2 diabetes either do not have a sufficient amount of insulin, or their cells disregard the insulin they have. Around 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It is differently called "non-insulin dependent" or "adult-onset" diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, nerve and blood vessel damage that leads to foot or leg amputation, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death. BE WELL-AWARE OF YOUR RISK If you gave birth to a child who weighed more than nine pounds and/or if you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you are also at high risk of diabetes. Males and Females over 45 are also at high risk. You are at high risk of type 2 diabetes, if it runs in your family. Type 2 diabetes is much more frequently observed in ethnic minority groups. CHANGES ARE NECESSARY You can do nothing to change your age, your ethnicity or your family history, but there are several factors you can take control of. Your diabetes risk also heightens if: • You are overweight. • You do not do physical exercise regularly. • You have an unhealthy diet. If you know you are at risk, making good choices about nutrition and exercise can help you stay healthy. In fact, studies have displayed that consuming a healthy diet and doing exercise can forestall or delay type 2 diabetes. If you are fat, remember that corpulence is the single most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. 80% - 90% of people with diabetes are estimated to be obese. Losing weight and controlling it can help forestall diabetes. Consume a diversity of products, including those containing a lot of fiber. Try to get less than 30% of your daily calories from fat foods. Also, watch your portion. Remember that any amount of physical activity is a lot better than none. Ride an exercise bike while you view the evening news or your favorite series. Most of all, make certain you find an activity that appeals to you, so you will do it regularly. By merely being aware of your risk factors and getting into the habit of eating healthy foods andexercising, you can control your health. |