Diabetes risk

Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas can’t make enough insulin or when the body does not respond appropriately to the insulin it produces. Insulin is essential to regulating blood sugar. Thus, individuals with diabetes tend to have uncontrolled blood sugar levels when left untreated. As many as 14 percent of individuals over the age of 18 are expected to have diabetes.
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Diabetes can cause many complications, including issues related to someone’s eyes, kidneys, nerves, skin, feet, gums, brain, and cardiovascular system. As a result, diabetes has directly caused as many as 1.6 million deaths in 2021, and mortality risk is increasing.
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It is important to note that many risk factors for diabetes are preventable. Thus, knowing someone’s risk for diabetes, and instituting preventative measures as appropriate, can effectively lower someone’s diabetes risk.
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Diabetes risk considers contributing factors to diabetes development, such as:
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Weight. Being overweight or obese increases diabetes risk.
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Physical inactivity. Routine exercise helps prevent insulin resistance.
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Blood pressure. When left untreated, high blood pressure can cause diabetes complications.
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Smoking. Tobacco use can contribute to chances of diabetes.
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Family history. Diabetes risk is increased with family history.
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Race or ethnicity. Individuals that are Black American, Latino/Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, or Pacific-Islander are at increased risk.
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Age. Older age elevates one’s likelihood of diabetes.