Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
There are currently 30 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes. And 25% of those people don’t even know they have it. Could you be one of them? If not, is there a chance you’re at risk?
Types of Diabetes and Risk Factors
There are two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes: Thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. Risk factors for Type 1 diabetes may include:
- Family history of Type 1 diabetes
- Certain viruses
- Environmental factors
Type 2 diabetes: A condition in which your body doesn’t produce insulin or doesn’t use insulin effectively. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes may include:
- Obesity
- Age (>45)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of diabetes
- A history of gestational diabetes
- Being African American, Native Alaskan, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or a Pacific Islander
- A history of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Reducing Your Diabetes Risk
If you think you may be at risk for diabetes, talk to your Kansas City doctor. He or she may recommend you make some lifestyle changes, such as:
- Losing weight
- Exercising regularly (at least 30 minutes a day, five times per week)
- Eating a healthy diet with lots of fiber and whole grains
Get Help If You Need It
If you’re having a tough time exercising or preparing healthy meals due to other health issues, you may want to get some help from a Kansas City home health agency. Your home health provider can help you with exercise and meal preparation, thus reducing your diabetes risk.
Contact Us
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