WORLD DIABETES DAY 🔵

THE RISK FACTORS😲

Diabetes is medical condition that can affect anyone, young, old, black or white.

You may not have any family history of diabetes, but your actions and inactions can predispose you to diabetes.

Diabetes risk factors are generally grouped into modifiable (lifestyle-related) and non-modifiable (genetic or age-related) categories. Here’s a breakdown:

1. NON-MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS 

✍️ FAMILY HISTORY: A family history of diabetes increases the risk, especially if a parent or sibling has the disease.

✍️AGE: Risk increases with age, especially after 45, due to changes in body metabolism and possible weight gain.

✍️ETHNICITY: Certain ethnic groups, like African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander populations, have higher risks.

✍️ HISTORY OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES: Women who had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or delivered a baby weighing over 9 pounds are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.

2. MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS 

🔵 WEIGHT: Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance.

🔵 PHYSICAL INACTIVITY: Regular exercise helps control weight, uses glucose for energy, and makes cells more sensitive to insulin.

🔵 UNHEALTHY DIET: A diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugary drinks can increase the risk.

🔵 HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: Blood pressure above 140/90 is associated with increased diabetes risk.

Abnormal Cholesterol Levels: Low HDL ("good") cholesterol or high triglycerides increases risk of diabetes.

For the non-modifiable risk factors there's really nothing you can do about it, but for the modifiable risk factors you have to help yourself.

The ball is in your court...

✍️By Prisca Ojiobianu 

#sweetmotherhood