Are You Headed for Diabetes? Risk Factors to Watch Out For

Are you one of the 400 million people living with undiagnosed diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent diabetes type and has undetectable signs in the primary stage. The signs and symptoms are visible for full-fledged diabetes. Specialists in critical care medicine in Humble hold a plethora of environmental factors, sedentary lifestyles, and medical conditions culpable. It is imperative to understand the various risk factors, how they aggravate diabetes, and then abate them. This guide steers you in the right direction to seek proper medical assistance at renowned diabetic centers such as the North Houston Diabetes Institute, where they offer cutting-edge treatment plans.

1. Obesity

BMI is a doctor's favorite jargon; it should be yours too. Body mass index determines whether your body has a healthy weight or is obese. Studies show that people who have a BMI of over 30 are at a six-fold risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Excess fat, especially around the waist area, evokes insulin resistance. Insulin resistance damages organs and lowers glucose metabolism. A high blood sugar level is the precursor of diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight will delay the progression of prediabetes to diabetes.

2. Genetic Risk Factors

Patients whose ethnic lines have a history of diabetics are more prone to develop diabetes than individuals with no such history, albeit if they live the same lifestyles. Managing genetic risk factors is uncharted territory; however, there is ongoing research to green light gene therapy as the remedy. However, this treatment requires extensive research before FDA approval. Leading an active lifestyle averts diabetes despite having a genetic disposition towards diabetes.

3. High blood pressure

The cardiovascular system has the markers for type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels in the blood are the hallmarks of type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure increases the metabolic activity of visceral fat cells around key organs such as the heart and kidney. Multiple organ impairment is the preclude of diabetes. Specialized diabetes institutes are well versed in mitigating high blood pressure. Scheduling an appointment with a doctor is noble.

4. Age

Insulin sensitivity declines with age. As you age, the pancreas does not pump insulin as effectively as before. The reduced pumping power coupled with low insulin secretion makes glucose stick in the bloodstream instead of metabolizing into energy and nutrients. Early detection is essential for effective treatment. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology recommends regular screening if you are past 45 years.

5. Sedentary lifestyle

Lack of physical activity exacerbates insulin resistance. We spend almost ¼ of our day sitting at our mobile phones. Sedentary lifestyles lower general body metabolism hence increasing blood sugar levels and contributes to weight gain. The disaster cocktail that ensues is not desirable. However, you can avoid diabetes by engaging in low-intensity exercises and stepping it up a notch higher later. Exercises help you burn excess body fat and utilize glucose.

The Takeaway

Diabetes is a chronic condition that has adverse effects on your health. While you can't control some risk factors, you can still do a lot to prevent the progression of the disease. Specialists at North Houston Diabetes institute tailor patient-based treatments to enable you to live a healthy lifestyle. Numerous people swear by their innovative treatment plans. And now you have the chance to rejuvenate your health by visiting the North Houston Diabetes Institute in Humble, TX.