The risk factors that contribute to type 2 diabetes vary from person to person. By maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active, you may be able to avoid some risk factors related to family history, age, race, and ethnicity.
Type 2 diabetes may be delayed or prevented if you take action on the factors you can change.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
It is possible to develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even when you are a child. There is a greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes if you1
· are overweight or obese.
· are age 35 or older. Type 2 diabetes can also develop in children and teens, but the risk increases with age.
· have a family history of diabetes.
· do not engage in physical activity due to physical limitations, sedentary lifestyles, or jobs that requires you to sit for long periods of time.
· have prediabetes.
· have gestational diabetes, a condition that develops during pregnancy, or gave birth to a child weighing nine pounds or more.
· have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
If not managed, type 2 diabetes can lead to symptoms such as:
- Feeling very thirsty and drinking a lot
- Feeling very hungry
- Having blurry vision
- Having cuts or sore that don’t heal properly
- having very dry skin
- having more infections than usual
People with type 2 diabetes may also experience irritability, mood changes, and unintentional weight loss.
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Yes, of course! Even if you’re at high risk, you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by making small, achievable lifestyle changes, such as engaging in strength training, eating a balanced diet and reducing your intake of sugary foods or overly processed foods.
In the event that you cannot prevent diabetes, careful monitoring can keep your blood sugar levels within a safe range and prevent serious complications from developing.
We’ll discuss more on the methods used to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in the next article which will conclude this series on diabetes and why it matters.
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