Diabetes: The warning signs

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough or does not respond to insulin. Insulin enables cells to absorb glucose in order to turn it into energy.

Types of Diabetes -

• Type 1: affects 10 % of people in whom the pancreas produces no insulin.
• Type 2: affects 90% of people in whom either the pancreas produces a reduced amount of insulin or the cells do not respond to insulin or both.
• Gestational Diabetes: occurs during pregnancy, causing a rise in blood glucose levels.

Diabetes - Warning Signs

Diabetes - Are you at risk?

If you think you are at risk get tested! Some risk factors are:

• A first degree relative with diabetes (mother/ father/ sibling).
• Age: Increasing age increases your chances of developing diabetes.
• Waist Circumference: Men with more than 34 inches waistline and women with more than 32 inches waistline are at higher risk for diabetes.
• Overweight: Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 23 increases the chances.
• Hypertension: Blood pressure at or above 140/90 mm Hg increases the risk.
• Abnormal cholesterol levels: HDL (good) cholesterol levels under 35 mg/dl and/or a triglyceride level over 250 mg/dl increases your risk.
• History of gestational diabetes: Developing diabetes during pregnancy can increase your risk.
• Sedentary lifestyle: An inactive lifestyle can increase your chances of developing diabetes.