Know Top 3 Important Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is the most common chronic health disease that inhibits insulin secretion and raises blood sugar levels. According to WHO, a whopping 422 million people suffer from diabetes globally out of which 85% of people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Many are not even aware that they are at the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. As they say, “prevention is better than cure”, it is important to know the risk factors of Type 2 diabetes to save yourself from the dreadful condition.

Important Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes

Many factors are responsible for Type 2 diabetes but the three major risk factors of Type 2 diabetes include:

• Heredity / Family history
  
• Obesity
  
• Increasing Age
  

1. Heredity / Family History:

Genetics is considered to have a strong association withType 2 diabetes. It is one of the crucial risk factors of Type 2 diabetes. The chance that you get diabetes is two-fold when you have a parent or sibling who is a diabetic. Periodic health check-up is essential to prevent diabetes.

2. Obesity

When you are overweight and have higher BMI, you will certainly have to host uninvited guests called diseases. Diabetes is one such disease that would bring unwanted ailments in the long run. Certain research articles clearly show that diabetes and obesity are interlinked. Shedding those extra pounds will definitely shield you from the dreaded disease.

3. Age

“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come”, says Shakespeare. Not only does increasing age bring wrinkles but it also brings ill-health. Age plays a vital role in Type 2 Diabetes. As you age the insulin secretion is reduced or resisted thus increasing your blood sugar level. Since aging is a natural process unlike obesity, this risk factor cannot be avoided but with a healthy diet and simple physical activity, the risk can be minimized.

Risk factors play a key role in prediction and prevention. If you fall under any of these categories of risk factors, do check your blood glucose level at regular intervals and take preventive measures to put a check on diabetes. Managing diabetes is an art but preventing diabetes is smart!!