Diabetes Mellitus is a group of diseases characterized by high blood sugar ( hyperglycemia) that can ultimately result in heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and coma. They are chronic diseases, which means they are long-lasting, can be controlled but not cured. They are a spectrum of diseases, from Pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes (pregnancy-related), Type 1 or juvenile-onset diabetes, and Type 2 or adult-onset diabetes. The majority of diabetic patients fall into the latter category, thus it is very important to tackle its underlying causes. Unfortunately, researchers don’t fully understand why some people develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and others don’t. It’s clear that certain factors increase the risk however, including:
- Weight. The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your cells become to insulin. On a practical level, ensure that your BMI stays below 25.
- Inactivity. The less active you are, the greater your risk. Physical activity helps you control your weight, uses up glucose as energy and makes your cells more sensitive to insulin. Attempt to engage in exercise at least 3 times a week for a minimum 30 minutes.
- Family history. Your risk increases if a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes.
- Race or ethnicity. Although it’s unclear why, certain people — including Black, Indian and Asian people — are at higher risk.
- Age. Your risk increases as you get older. This may be because you tend to exercise less, lose muscle mass and gain weight as you age. But type 2 diabetes is also increasing among children, adolescents and younger adults.
- Gestational diabetes. If you developed gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, your risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes increases. If you gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (4 kilograms), you’re also at risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome. For women, having polycystic ovary syndrome — a common condition characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity — increases the risk of diabetes.
- High blood pressure. Having blood pressure over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you have low levels ( less than 1,0 ) of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol, your risk of type 2 diabetes is higher. Triglycerides are another type of fat carried in the blood. People with high levels of triglycerides have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Your doctor can let you know what your cholesterol and triglyceride levels are.