Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Having diabetes means that there is too much sugar (glucose) in your blood. Your blood always has some sugar in it because your body needs it for energy. But too much glucose in the blood is not good for your health.

When you digest food, your body breaks down much of the food into glucose. Your blood carries the sugar to the cells of your body for energy. Your body uses a chemical (hormone) called insulin to help move the sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Insulin is made by the pancreas. When your body does not have enough insulin, or has trouble using insulin, sugar cannot get into your cells. Sugar builds up in your blood. Too much sugar in your blood can cause many problems.

There are 2 main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

• Type 1 diabetes usually starts before the age of 35. This type of diabetes happens when your pancreas, in a short period of time, stops making any or not enough insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes usually begins in adulthood, but can start in childhood. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body gradually loses its ability to use its own insulin or eventually stops making enough insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 and accounts for more than 85% of all diabetes. It affects about 1 out of 50 people in the US.

What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

Risk factors include:

• a family history of diabetes
• being older than 40 years old
• being overweight
• a family background of Alaska Native, American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
• having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, or giving birth to a baby that weighed 9 pounds or more
• high blood pressure
• abnormal cholesterol levels: that is, HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) below 40 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for men and below 50 mg/dL for women, or a triglyceride level above 150 mg/dL
• inactive lifestyle with little or no exercise
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• a fasting blood sugar (FBS) in the prediabetes range (a fasting blood sugar between 100 and 125 mg/dL)
• acanthosis nigricans (a darkening of the skin on the neck and under the arms).

Can I prevent diabetes?

While you can't change your family history or your age, you can change your lifestyle. Controlling your weight with diet and exercise is very important.

Why is it important to prevent and treat diabetes?

Untreated diabetes can have serious consequences. If the blood glucose level gets too high, you may go into a coma or die. Diabetes can damage small blood vessels and nerves, causing problems in the eyes, heart, brain, kidneys, blood vessels, skin, and feet. The risks for high blood pressure, a stroke, and problems with the heart and blood vessels are much higher for people with diabetes, as are the risks for loss of vision, even blindness. Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are common problems due to nerve damage. Men with diabetes may start having trouble having or keeping erections.

What are the warning signs of diabetes?

Warning signs may include:

• increased thirst
• increased urination
• increased appetite
• unexpected weight gain or weight loss
• tiredness
• skin infections
• slow healing of sores
• blurred vision
• prickling, burning, or itching feeling in hands or feet.

How can I help myself?

• If you are over 40 years old--or younger if you are overweight--make sure your healthcare provider checks your blood sugar every year.
• Have regular medical checkups according to the recommended schedule for your age and medical condition. Don't wait for serious problems before making an appointment.
• Be alert for the warning signs of diabetes.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a low-fat, diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. You may want to work with a nurse or registered dietitian to set up a diet program that meets your needs.
• Exercise regularly, according to your healthcare provider's recommendations.
• Stop smoking. Smoking makes the effects of diabetes much worse and complications happen earlier.
• Keep your weight under control, particularly if you have a family history of diabetes.
• If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes and you have the symptoms or warning signs of diabetes, this means your blood sugar is not in good control. To avoid the complications of diabetes, you must see your healthcare provider and learn how to get your blood sugar back into the recommended range.