Diabetes affects roughly 10.5% of the US population, and approximately 7.3% have the condition but do not know yet. The National Diabetes Statistics Report also deduces that 88 million adults have pre-diabetes, which is problematic as this population may soon become diagnosed. Doctors First is your leading Germantown diabetes treatment center that gives hope to patients battling this chronic condition. Here are the risk factors for diabetes and how you can protect yourself:
Smoking
If you are fond of smoking your favorite cigars from time to time, or you can smoke an entire pack per day, your chances of getting diabetes are higher than nonsmokers. Studies derive that smokers have a 40 percent chance of getting type 2 diabetes, which is an impairment in how your body regulates and utilizes sugar.
Elevated insulin levels reduce the effectiveness of insulin, and therefore, your body requires more to function optimally. When there is excess sugar in your bloodstream, this long-term condition ensues and triggers nervous and immune system problems. If you smoke, counter this habit with nicotine gum, hypnotherapy, and other interventions to help you quit. Research shows that insulin levels decline within the first eight weeks of quitting smoking.
Overweight and obesity
People who spend the majority of their time seated or not engaging in physical activity tend to be overweight and, in extreme cases, obese. Obesity, research finds, is responsible for several non-communicable ailments like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
Data shows that obesity accounts for over 80 percent of type 2 diabetes incidences, while people with a BMI less than 22 are less likely to get sick.
Obesity is now a primary health concern worldwide, and environmental and societal changes are only fanning the flames. Insufficient physical activity coupled with calorie-laden foods and a propensity for well-developed sedentary lifestyles paves the way for obesity. If you are in this predicament, consult your physician on how much weight you need to lose. They will also suggest safe approaches to weight loss that could work for your body type.
High cholesterol
The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that diabetes decreases good cholesterol levels while increasing bad cholesterol. By extension, people with low HDL cholesterol are more susceptible to heart disease. These problems are interlinked, and the onset of one paves the way for the other. See your family physician for cholesterol testing to know how things stand, and how to reverse any damage.
Lack of physical activity
Sedentary lifestyles have been commonplace since the coronavirus pandemic struck, forcing millions to remain confined in their homes. Lockdown measures have eased up in many countries, but the advent of new coronavirus variants may necessitate the cessation of movement. Ensure you remain active throughout the day to improve blood circulation and burn excess calories. Please remember that lack of physical activity is harmful even when you are not overweight.
It is prudent that you get tested for diabetes and start treatment or discuss ways of negating the disease. Overall, it would be best to lead a healthy lifestyle to stave off medical issues that trigger more severe problems.
