Diabetes is a silent killer. It is a chronic disease that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar. In type 2 diabetes, the body either resists the effects of insulin or does not produce enough insulin to regulate the movement of sugar into the cells. These are 9 risk factors that you may be having that can lead to diabetes.
Diabetes can often appear with symptoms that many people unconsciously ignore. According to the Diabetic Association, about 8 million of the 29 million cases of diabetes in the country have not been diagnosed.
The first symptoms of the disease include dry mouth, increased frequency of urination, fatigue, blurred vision and increased thirst.
Treating and managing this disease is extremely important as it has been shown to increase the risk of developing other chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and infection.
Table of Contents
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
It is very important to know the risk factors to avoid the damage it can cause. While several of these factors can be prevented, others cannot.
Weight, one of the main risk factors.
This is the first and most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. An increase in fat in the body increases the resistance of cells to insulin. Being overweight does not mean that you are diabetic, but it does increase your risk of developing it.
Family history.
If your parents or siblings have diabetes, they increase your chances of contracting the disease. While genetics is certainly important, in recent years some health experts suggest this could be more due to inherited habits, family habits, and our built environment. After all, we cannot change our genes.
Fat distribution.
Fat in the body is also one of the risk factors for having diabetes. If your body tends to store fat in and around the abdomen more than the hips and thighs, you are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Being physically active is very important to maintaining a normal weight. It also increases glucose intake for energy and makes cells sensitive to insulin. A person with a sedentary lifestyle and no physical activity has a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Race.
Although the issue is unclear, people of certain races, including African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Asians, and Hispanics, are at a higher genetic risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Age.
As you age, the chances of developing type 2 diabetes also increase. The reason may be decreased physical activity, weight gain, and loss of muscle mass.
Gestational diabetes.
Diabetes during pregnancy increases a person’s chances of suffering from the disease. If you deliver a baby that weighs more than 9 pounds, you are at higher risk.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
If a woman suffers from PCOS, there are chances that she suffers from diabetes.
Pre-diabetes.
This is a condition in which your blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough for you to be classified as diabetic. Untreated prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Treating type 2 diabetes.
These risk factors can help people identify the problem and manage it before it leads to further health problems.
There is no cure for type 1 diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes can be reversed and put into a stage of remission where blood glucose levels are normal. Early diagnosis and treatments play a crucial role.
Normal blood sugar can be achieved through a number of methods, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to medications and injections. Doctors always recommend a change in lifestyle for each patient with diabetes.
This is the process scientists use to reverse diabetes.
First, the lifestyle adjustment comes with an implementation in the diet. To achieve weight loss, it is helpful to adopt a low-calorie diet. Most of us are in the habit of consuming readily available high-energy foods such as bread, rice, pasta, and other potato-based foods. To aim for a healthy weight, you should focus on eating a balanced diet that helps you keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Being physically active is important for keeping your blood sugar levels in the normal range. After exercise, the body begins to use up its glucose stores by taking in glucose from the blood. In addition to maintaining normal blood sugar levels, exercise also helps us stay in shape.
Other lifestyle adjustments, such as cutting down on alcohol and quitting smoking, also go a long way in treating diabetes.
Keep blood sugar levels under control naturally.
Although diet and physical activity play a crucial role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels, there are other natural ways to achieve a normal blood sugar goal.
Keep hydrated.
Drinking a good amount of water helps your kidneys remove the extra glucose in your blood. This helps keep your blood sugar in the normal range. Water also helps keep you in good shape.
Control stress levels.
Stress leads to an increase in the hormone’s glucagon and cortisol, which increases the level of sugar in the blood.
Sleeping habits.
Inadequate sleep habits affect your blood sugar level. It also increases the appetite and leads to weight gain.
Herbs and spices.
Certain herbs and spices, such as berberine and cinnamon extract, have been used to lower sugar levels. Apple cider vinegar also helps reduce sugar levels. Fenugreek seeds are a great source of soluble fiber and also a good source for lowering fasting blood sugar.
Alternative therapies.
Therapies such as homeopathy and Ayurveda also offer treatment for high blood sugar levels, but they should be taken under the supervision of specialists.
Normal blood sugar can be achieved with some lifestyle changes and herbal supplements, but never stop taking your medication without consulting a doctor. An uncontrolled blood sugar level can cause many health problems and emergencies.