Non-modifiable risks

Age:

The risk of diabetes (type 2) increases with age as the body struggles to create enough insulin to combat the levels of blood sugar. Although risk of developing diabetes has been stated to be around 40 years of age, it has been affecting younger adults and even children.

Family history:

Those who have a history of diabetes in the family are more likely to develop diabetes.

Race or ethnicity:

Research has shown that certain races are more prone to diabetes than others. However, it could be due to genetic or environmental factors or nutritional factors especially at a very young stage.

Modifiable risks

Abnormal nutrition

Nutrition plays a major role in the development of type 2 diabetes. It’s important to have a balanced and healthy diet to make sure that the body is able to produce the use insulin as intended. Both over and undernutrition can cause type 2 diabetes. Undernutrition during pregnancy can increase the risk of insulin resistance in the child, while overnutrition can lead to being overweight and obesity resulting in early development of type 2 diabetes.

Physical Inactivity

This is the most significant risk factor. Inability to engage in regular physical activity to maintain ideal body weight can result in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes

Impaired Fasting Glycaemia (IFG) or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) puts you at an increased risk and should be actively corrected through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress control.

Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)

Gestational diabetes poses a risk to both mother and child unless it is properly monitored and correct treatment is administered to control the onset of diabetes.

Stress

Stress related hormonal and metabolic changes are associated with nutrition, psychosocial problems may cause imbalances in the body that may put individuals at a higher risk for the development of diabetes. Infections along with the above pose an additional risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of diabetes

Early detection and treatment of diabetes greatly reduces the risks of diabetes related complications that can develop over time. Here are a few typical symptoms of diabetes. If you think you have any of these symptoms, however mild they may seem please contact [contact information]

• Urinating often
• Ants around urinal or toilet
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry, even though you have regular meals
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or bruises that take long to heal
• Experiencing cramps in your limbs
• Weight loss even though you are eating more
• Tingling pain or numbness in hands or feet