Diabetes - Are You At Risk?

The new cases of diabetes have exploded over recent years in the United States. Close to 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year and that number is expected to only go higher. So, are you at risk of getting type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious health condition that can lead to many other health issues such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, amputations and many others as well. Although diabetes is generally found in older adults, more and more cases of type 2 diabetes are being diagnosed in our children. And this is a huge issue in itself.

The cause of diabetes is from one of two problems. Either your body does not produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels or your body is unable to use the insulin it has in the way it needs to.

Who is at risk of becoming diabetic?

1. Anyone who has diabetes in their family. If you have a family history of it then you are certainly at a greater risk.

2. Anyone who is obese.

3. Anyone with poor eating habits that include fast food constantly.

4. People who are over 40.

5. People who have high blood pressure. It seems to go hand in hand in many cases.

What are the signs of having diabetes?

Some of the classic symptoms of diabetes include:

-The need to urinate all the time.

-Unquenchable thirst.

-Unexplained rapid weight loss.

-Feeling of being tired all the time.

If you have any of these symptoms you should talk to your doctor about. A simple glucose test can tell whether you have a problem or not. Don't put it off. Getting treatment for diabetes early on is a key in staying healthy.

Many times, simply making lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, regular exercise and others can prevent diabetes from occurring. Type 2 diabetes is treatable and does not mean you will have other serious health issues. The key is getting it diagnosed early.