What Causes Diabetes? Four Risk Factors For Developing Diabetes

If you have two or more of these risk factors then you may already have pre-diabetes. Take the American Diabetes Association test and if the test indicates you are at risk then you should see your doctor to find out if you have pre-diabetes.

Remember, you can still prevent diabetes but only if you are proactive and take control of your health immediately.

Obesity – Obesity, or having a Body Mass Index higher than 30, is the main risk factor for developing diabetes. More than 60 million people in the US are technically obese. If you are overweight, there is a higher chance that you suffer from some type of insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.

If you are obese, it is crucial that you get checked out by a doctor to evaluate your diabetes risk.

Unhealthy diet – Most people these days don’t eat healthy. Busy schedules and financial problems mean eating lots of fast food, fried food, starchy food, sugary food, and high fat food.

Eating a lot of foods that are overly processed and chemical laden can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.

No Exercise – Are you one of the millions of people that never get more exercise than walking to and from your car? That lack of exercise could lead to diabetes.

Muscle cells function differently than other cells. Muscle cells are more likely to fight insulin resistance so the more muscle cells you have the better your chance of reducing your insulin resistance. Exercising also helps you lose weight and can help keep your heart healthy.

Just 30 minutes of walking five days a week can reduce your diabetes risk and help you lose weight.

Genetics – It’s completely unfair, but if other members of your family, especially your parents, have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to develop it as an adult. Your genetic makeup can mean that you are predisposed to insulin resistance and obesity, which, in turn, can put you at greater risk of developing diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, you need to be extra careful when it comes to diabetes.

You can prevent diabetes even if you have a family history of it but you will probably have to work harder than people who don’t have a family history of diabetes. If you are worried that your family history means you have a higher risk of diabetes then you should start taking steps like getting more exercise and overhauling your diet immediately.

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