Who is at risk for type 2 diabetes?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Type II diabetes occurs most often in people who are overweight. Although the reasons are unclear, excess weight seems to impede the body's ability to metabolize sugar properly. That fact would make one think that it was environmental causes -- that is, overeating -- that was to blame. But no, it's a genetically transmitted disease with what is called variable penetrance. Variable penetrance means that if you're a twin and your twin gets type II diabetes, you have the genes for it, but the rate of penetrance -- that is, how often one sees the clinical manifestations of diabetes and how much it ages you -- is governed to a large degree by your lifestyle choices.
Type II diabetes affects 15 to 25 percent of adults over age fifty-five but is more prevalent among some groups of people than others, confirming that a genetic component is in operation. For example, African-Americans, particularly women, are much more susceptible to type II diabetes than other people their age. Indeed, 25 percent of African-Americans over the age of fifty-five have type II diabetes. Among certain Native American populations, the prevalence can be as high as 80 percent. However, in many cases, the disease is triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices. Ninety percent of those who get type II diabetes are considerably overweight, and most of these individuals also do not exercise or have a proper diet, further exacerbating the condition. If you "live young," you will have less chance of getting type II diabetes, no matter what genes you have.Type II diabetes occurs most often in people who are overweight. Although the reasons are unclear, excess weight seems to impede the body's ability to metabolize sugar properly. That fact would make one think that it was environmental causes -- that... More -
There are no known, specific causes for Type 2 diabetes. However, those most at risk for Type 2 diabetes are adults 45 years and older and those of any age who are sedentary and overweight. Type 2 diabetes is more common among African Americans, Hispanics, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. Having an immediate family member (parent, sibling) with Type 2 diabetes also increases your risk. Unlike many other conditions, diabetes affects men and women equally.There are no known, specific causes for Type 2 diabetes. However, those most at risk for Type 2 diabetes are adults 45 years and older and those of any age who are sedentary and overweight. Type 2 diabetes is more common among African Americans,... More
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American Diabetes Association answered:Those at risk for type 2 diabetes include:
- People with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
- People over age 45
- People with a family history of diabetes
- People who are overweight
- People who do not exercise regularly
- People with low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure
- Certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives)
- Women who had gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth
Find out if you are at risk for prediabetes or diabetes at www.diabetes.org/risktest
Those at risk for type 2 diabetes include: People with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) People over age 45 People with a family history of diabetes People who are overweight People who do not exercise... More -
Emilia Klapp answered:People with Type 2 diabetes usually are over 35, are overweight, and have a family history of diabetes that has been treated with diet or medication. Up to 90% of all diabetes cases are Type 2, and of those, 75% are found in people who are overweight. Furthermore, people with excess fat in the abdominal area appear to be the most vulnerable to the disease.People with Type 2 diabetes usually are over 35, are overweight, and have a family history of diabetes that has been treated with diet or medication. Up to 90% of all diabetes cases are Type 2, and of those, 75% are found in people who are... More -
Constance Brown-Riggs of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent type of diabetes, nine out of every 10 people diagnosed with diabetes have type 2. Research suggests that a person’s likelihood of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is strongly based on genetics.
You are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes if you:
- Are older than age 40 – as you age, the pancreas may not work as well.
- Are overweight or physically inactive – when you’re heavy your cells become more resistant to insulin.
- Have a family history of diabetes – if you have family members with diabetes you are a prime candidate for diabetes.
- Have a history of diabetes during pregnancy – called gestational diabetes. The hormones associated with pregnancy make the body more resistant to insulin. After the baby is delivered the hormones and blood-sugar levels go back to normal. But the mother remains at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Have given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds. Women giving birth to large babies might have had gestational diabetes, which puts them at risk for diabetes.
- Are African-American, Latino American, or American Indian. Some researchers believe this may be associated with the “thrifty’ genes that increased fat storage during periods of famine. However today, food is readily available and the ability to store fat only results in obesity.
- Have impaired glucose tolerance – which means you have blood glucose levels above normal but lower than a person with diabetes.
- Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. These conditions are associated with insulin resistance.
Be well…
Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent type of diabetes, nine out of every 10 people diagnosed with diabetes have type 2. Research suggests that a person’s likelihood of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is strongly based on genetics. You... More -
Boston Women's Health Book Collective answered:Women who are overweight and inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. You can lower the risk of developing diabetes by keeping your weight in control (or losing weight if you are overweight); staying active most days of the week; and eating meals high in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods and low in unhealthy fats.
Other factors associated with diabetes or pre diabetes include high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides, a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy), giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds, or belonging to an ethnic or minority group at high risk for diabetes (African-American, Asian-American, Latina, Native American, or Pacific Islander).
Age is also a factor. You are more likely to get diabetes as you get older; almost one in five people over age sixty have it. If your weight is normal and you're over age forty-five, a baseline screening test is appropriate. If you have pre diabetes or any of the risk factors mentioned above, you should be checked for type 2 diabetes every one to two years.
Women who are overweight and inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. You can lower the risk of developing diabetes by keeping your weight in control (or losing weight if you are overweight); staying active most days of the week; and... More
