Risk Factors for Diabetes - Can You Become Diabetic?

Why some individuals develop diabetes and others don't is not known with any degree of certainty. However, there appears to be two underlying factors that may point to developing diabetes. The most common one is genetic pre-disposition. Environmental triggers such as exposure to certain foods too early in an infant's life is the second factor.

Despite better awareness of health issues, not much progress has been made with respect to determining the risk factors for Type I diabetes. On the other hand, risk factors for Type II diabetes have been uncovered that can lead the way to preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes despite genetics and family history.

The number one risk factor is obesity. It is estimated that nearly 60 million adults are obese according to The National Center for Health Statistics. The study conducted by the same organization states that an alarming number of children are also overweight. Since 1980, the number of obese children has tripled. Not surprisingly, the number of children being diagnosed with Type II diabetes has also risen.

A sedentary lifestyle lends itself to obesity and diabetes. Inactivity is damaging to health overall and it's definitely the cause for the rise in obesity. By not exercising or being more physically fit, you are compounding the risk of developing diabetes. You can take steps today to improve your health by starting up a simple program of exercise each day such as short walks that gradually increase in duration and pace.

Eating poorly or the wrong foods will also contribute to obesity. Studies show that almost 90% of people with Type 2 diabetes are also clinically obese. Lack of adequate fiber in the diet and too much fat and simple carbs increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Genetics and family history also factor into your risk of developing Type II diabetes. If you have a parent or sibling with Type II diabetes, then your own chances of developing diabetes are increased twofold.

Age is a risk factor by virtue of the fact that as we grow older, the pancreas which controls insulin production grows older as well and becomes less efficient. Our cells also become less capable of processing blood glucose. As a result, with each passing year, the risk of Type II diabetes becomes higher. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 50% of Type II diabetes occur in persons over 55 years of age.

Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome are at high risk of developing Type II diabetes. Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors that include central obesity (characterized by excessive fatty tissue around the abdomen), blood fat disorders such as high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, glucose intolerance and elevated blood pressure.

Type 2 diabetes increases by up to 50 percent in women who have diabetes during pregnancy. Known as gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM, it places both mother and child at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes in later years.

Certain ethnic groups are at higher risk than others for developing Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Native Americans and Asian American/Pacific Islanders all are at greater risk for diabetes.

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Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of people. Find out why are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes potential killers and what the symptoms of diabetes are at DiabetesCareFAQs.com

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