Diabetes is a serious disease (as Corey123 has attested to) which can be avoided in some cases.
Some risk factors are genetic (i.e. in your DNA from your family) but some are lifestyle choices.
The number of people with diabetes is increasing (the number of children with type 2 diabetes has increased over 5 times in the last 15 years) and up to 45% of people with diabetes have not even been diagnosed yet!
Prediabetes: A chance to change the future
Like type 2 diabetes, people can have prediabetes without knowing it, so being aware of your risk and being tested are important. The risk for diabetes is higher as we grow older, so the Canadian Diabetes Association recommends screening for diabetes by testing fasting plasma glucose for everyone once they reach the age of 40, and every three years after that.
More frequent testing, or an earlier start to regular screening, should be considered for those who have risk factors that increase the likelihood they may develop type 2 diabetes. These risk factors include:
• Having a first-degree relative who already has diabetes.
• Being a member of a high-risk population, such as those of Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, or African descent.
• Having a history of IGT, IFG or prediabetes.
• Having already some evidence of the complications of diabetes such as eye, nerve or kidney problems.
• Having heart disease.
• Having a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.
• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Being overweight, especially abdominal obesity.
The important thing to remember about prediabetes is that it doesn't always lead to diabetes. Determining whether or not you have it gives you a chance to change the future – to one that does not include type 2 diabetes.
The Prevalence and Costs of Diabetes
Prevention of type 2 diabetes
To date there is no proven way to prevent type 1 diabetes. The onset of type 2 diabetes may be prevented or delayed, through increased physical activity, healthy eating, weight loss, not smoking and stress reduction. Taking these steps now can lead to a healthier future.
- In a large study, people at risk of type 2 diabetes were able to reduce that risk by 58% by exercising moderately for 30 minutes a day and by losing 5 to 7% of their body weight. In people over age 60, the risk was cut by almost 71%. Other large studies have shown similar results in reducing risk.
Type 2 diabetes: the basics | Canadian Diabetes AssociationComplications of diabetes
Over time, high blood glucose levels can cause complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, good diabetes care and management can prevent or delay the onset of these complications.
Managing your diabetes
Here are some steps you can take to manage your diabetes and help maintain your overall health and wellness – today and in the future:
- Don’t smoke
- Check your blood glucose levels regularly and keep them in your target range
- Keep your cholesterol and other blood fats in your target range
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Keep your blood pressure close to target level
- Take your medication as prescribed
- Manage your stress effectively
- Follow a balanced meal plan
- Be physically active
- Take care of your feet
- Regularly visit your dentist, eye care specialist (every one to two years) and doctor