Diabetes Risk Factors
Although the causes of diabetes are unknown, the following risk factors may increase your chance of developing diabetes.
A family history: If a parent or sibling in your family has diabetes, your risk of developing diabetes increases.
Race or ethnic background:
The risk of diabetes is greater in Hispanics, blacks, Native Americans and Asians.
Being overweight: If you are 20% or more over your optimal body weight, you increase your risk of developing diabetes.
Hypertension: High blood pressure increases the risk of developing diabetes.
Abnormal cholesterol levels: HDL, or “good” cholesterol, levels under 45mg/dL for men and 55 mg/dL for women, and/or a triglyceride level over 150 mg/dL increases your risk.
Age: Your risk of developing diabetes increases progressively as you get older.
Use of certain drugs:
Blood pressure medicines, such as thiazides; Steroid medicines, such as prednisone or Decadron; Hydantoin medicines, such as Dilantin; Medicines for transplant recipients, such as cyclosporine, can increase the risk of diabetes.
Alcohol Use: Years of heavy alcohol intake increases your risk of developing diabetes.
Smoking: According to one study, smoking from 16 to 25 cigarettes a day increases your risk for Type 2 Diabetes to three times that of a non-smoker.
History of gestational diabetes (developing diabetes during Pregnancy) or of delivering a baby over nine pounds can increase your risk.
Autoimmune disease:
Autoimmune disease can cause your body’s defense system (immune system) to attack healthy insulinproducing beta cells in your pancreas, increasing your risk of diabetes.
Viruses: Some viruses are thought to play a part in diabetes development.
A person with some or all of the above listed risk factors may never develop diabetes, but your chances increase the more risk factors you have.
Source: Northwest Diagnostic Clinic PA
For more information check :Diabetes Mellitus
Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus
Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
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