At Risk?
Did you know that “there are 20.8 million children and adults in the U.S. with diabetes–and nearly one–third of them (or 6.2 million) do not know it”? 1 Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to properly use or produce insulin. Because insulin is the hormone that converts sugars and starches into usable energy for the body, when it is not present, the body suffers from uncontrolled blood sugar or glucose levels. Such imbalances can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, and even stroke.
The following factors are present in those who are at risk for developing diabetes. If one or more of these statements apply to you, contact your physician for further evaluation and diagnosis.
Pre–Diabetes
Pre–diabetes is a condition in which an individual’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. Recent studies show, however, that identifying and addressing this factor early can delay or even prevent the onset of diabetes.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Inactivity can also have negative effects on your health. Without regular physical activity, the body is more prone to developing high blood pressure and high cholesterol as well as becoming obese and suffering from stress–related fatigue which, in turn, may lead to diabetes or other chronic diseases.
Poor Nutrition
Eating unhealthy foods can increase your risk of developing any number of complications, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Foods high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium can all have adverse effects on your health. Combined with a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition can lead to obesity, another at–risk indicator.
Obesity
Obesity is a condition in which the body carries too much body fat. Weight has less to do with whether or not a person is obese. Instead, the percentage of fat that exists in the body will determine whether or not a person is underweight, healthy, or obese. Lifestyle changes and medications can help control this condition.