6 | Living with Diabetes
CALCULATING
YOUR RISK
MANY FACTORS COMBINE TO INCREASE YOUR RISK FOR DIABETES. KNOWING AND ASSESSING THESE FACTORS
CAN HELP YOU MAKE CHANGES.
RISK FACTORS
The risk of developing type 2 you may not be able to change all have two or more risk factors, talk
diabetes increases with the number of them, you can make changes to to your doctor about how to delay or
of risk factors you have. Although signifi cantly lower your risk. If you prevent type 2 diabetes.
WEIGHT AGE
FAMILY RACE/ ETHNIC LACK OF
POLYCYSTIC
HISTORY BACKGROUND EXERCISE
POOR DIET OVARY
SYNDROME
Obesity is the The risk for You can’t For reasons Exercising and A diet high in Polycystic ovary
single most type 2 diabetes change your still unclear to maintaining a fat, calories syndrome
important risk increases with family history, doctors, some healthy weight and cholesterol (PCOS) is a
factor for type age, especially but it is still ethnic groups can reduce your increases your condition that
2 diabetes. The after age 45. important for have a higher risk of diabetes. risk of diabetes. occurs when
more overweight Although you you and your risk of diabetes Any amount In addition, a an imbalance of
you are, the can’t change doctor to know if than others. You of activity is poor diet can hormone levels
more resistant your age, diabetes runs in are at greater better than lead to obesity in a woman’s
your body is you can work your family. Your risk if you belong none, but try to (another risk body causes
to insulin. A on other risk risk for diabetes to one of these exercise for 30 factor for cysts to form
healthy, low-fat factors to is higher if your groups: to 60 minutes diabetes) and on the ovaries.
diet and regular reduce your mother, father most days of other health Women who
exercise can risk. or sibling has • Native the week. If problems. A have PCOS
help you lose diabetes. Tell American you haven’t healthy diet is are at an
weight gradually your doctor
• Hispanic
exercised in a high in fi ber increased risk of
and keep it off. if anyone in
American
while or you and low in fat, developing type
your family has have health cholesterol, salt 2 diabetes.
diabetes.
• African
problems, talk and sugar. Also,
American
with your doctor remember to
• Pacifi c before starting watch portion
Islander an exercise sizes — how
• Asian
program. much you eat
American
can be just as
important as
what you eat.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes If gestational diabetes isn’t treated, your is very large, you may have a more diffi cult
that happens only during pregnancy. It baby may be more likely to have problems delivery or you may need a cesarean section.
occurs in about 4% of pregnant women. at birth. For example, your baby may have
Although gestational diabetes goes away a low blood sugar level or jaundice, or your Even when they don’t have gestational
after pregnancy, 40% to 60% of women who baby may weigh much more than normal. diabetes, women who give birth to babies
have gestational diabetes are diagnosed Gestational diabetes can also affect the weighing nine pounds or more are more
with type 2 diabetes within 15 years. mother’s health. For instance, if your baby likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
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