Type 2 diabetes Basics
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can no longer process blood sugar, also known as glucose. Over time, higher-than-normal levels of sugar in the blood can lead to damage throughout the body, including problems with the eyes, gums, hands, feet, and heart. Although once known as "adult-onset diabetes," type 2 can begin at any age — and more and more children are getting it. People of any ethnic background can develop type 2 diabetes, but some groups, including African-Americans and Hispanics, are at higher risk. Obesity is perhaps the most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The good news is that type 2 diabetes is treatable with diet, exercise, and medication.
Here are some risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Having a relative with type 2 diabetesYou're more likely to get type 2 diabetes if someone in your family has it. Your genes play a role. If both of your parents have type 2 diabetes, you have a 1 in 2 chance of getting it.
Being obese
Some people believe that eating too much sugar causes diabetes. They think this extra sugar wears out your pancreas.This isn't true.
What matters is your weight. Obesity is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Lack of exercise
About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight and don't get enough exercise. If you're at risk for this
type of diabetes, you can reduce your risk if you exercise. For example, if you're overweight and you lose about 5 percent
of your body weight, and you also get regular, moderate exercise (such as a brisk walk for 30 minutes, five days a week),
your chance of getting diabetes is cut by one-half.
Your ethnic background
African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian-Americans, American Indians and Pacific Islanders are more likely to get type
2 diabetes than other Americans.
Factors related to pregnancy
If you are a woman, you are more likely to get type 2 diabetes if you have diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).
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