
Diabetes is a silent killer. It is a chronic condition which affects the way in which body metabolizes sugar. In type 2 diabetes, the body either resists the insulin effects or does not produce enough insulin to regulate the movement of sugar into the cells.
Diabetes can often creep up with symptoms many people unwittingly ignore. According to the American diabetic association (1), about 8 million of total 29 million cases of diabetes in the country remain undiagnosed!
Diabetes Symptoms (Type 2)
Early stage type 2 diabetes symptoms include dry mouth, an increase in the frequency of urination, fatigue, blurry vision, and increased thirst. (2)
It is extremely important to treat and manage this disease as it has been shown to increase the risk of developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and infection (2).
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
It is very important to know about the risk factors (2) to prevent the damage it can cause. While several of these factors are preventable, some are not.
1) Weight
This is the first and the most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. An increase of fat in the body increases the resistance of the cells to insulin. Being overweight does mean that you are diabetic but it does increase your risk for developing it (2).
2) Family history
If your parents or sibling suffer from diabetes, the chances of you getting the disease increase (2). While genetics are surely important, in recent years, some health experts are suggesting that this might be more because of inherited habits, family habits, and our built environment (4). After all, we can’t change our genes.
3) Fat distribution
If your body has a tendency to store fat in and around the abdomen more than your hips and thighs, you are more at risk of getting type 2 diabetes (2). Learn more about 4 drinks that can help tackle belly fat.
4) Sedentary lifestyle