Tip of the Day
Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
A staggering 90 to 95 percent of those living with diabetes have type 2. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder where pancreatic cells don't produce enough insulin or the body doesn't respond to insulin normally, even though the pancreas produces it.
Type 2 diabetes has a number of risk factors to be aware of:
- Being overweight or obese. About 80 percent of those with type 2 diabetes are overweight. More body fat can make body cells more insulin-resistant.
- Being over age 45. The pancreas is less efficient at producing insulin as we age.
- Having a close family member with diabetes. Diabetes isn't contagious, but you may share lifestyle habits that increase your risk.
- Being African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian American, Hawaiian American, Pacific Islander, Native American or Alaska Native descent contributes to higher risk.
- Not exercising.
- Having high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides levels.
- Being a woman who had gestational diabetes, or delivered a baby weighing nine pounds or more.
If you think you're at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. For more information, consult a registered dietitian in your area or visit our Disease Management and Prevention page.
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