Understanding The Risk Factors For Diabetes

By Author: Dr Ono Alex-Ohunyon
Total Articles: 10
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According to the National Health Survey, “around 1.7 million Australians have diabetes.” Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia. If left untreated, the disease can wreak havoc on an individual’s already weakend body. Might you be one of them? Read on to see whether your risk of having diabetes is high or not.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition where insulin, an essential hormone that helps to convert glucose into energy, is stopped or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body. If blood sugar levels are not maintained or left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening medical conditions, such as heart attack and other conditions, including amputation, kidney disease, depression, blindness, etc. Type and Type 2 are the most common forms of diabetes mellitus.

What increases the risk of diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is now becoming more common in children and tends due to obesity. In fact, type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of all diabetes, and it is increasing. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas stops producing ...
... insulin. The hormone in insulin is essential to help the body utilise blood sugar. Without insulin, extra blood sugar can damage the body. However, with the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, everyone can learn to manage and live healthy lives.

A family history of Type 1 Diabetes is considered a risk factor. If both the parents have the type of 1 Diabetes, then their child has a chance of developing this type of diabetes. It is essential to take your child to the Bowral doctors to get it checked if you or your partner has diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

It is the most common form of diabetes. It means that your body does not use insulin properly. Type 2 Diabetes accounts for 85% of all diabetes, and it is increasing. While some can manage Type 2 Diabetes, making some lifestyle changes, others may need medications to control blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy diet and fitness is the key to managing Type 2 Diabetes.

The following are the risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes

- Obesity

- Aging

- Having a parent or sibling with the condition

- Not physically active

- Have had gestational diabetes

- High blood pressure and cholesterol

Symptoms

- Increased hunger

- Unintentional weight loss

- Frequent urination

- Fatigue

- Blurry vision

- Sores that heal slowly

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor Bowral as early as possible.

While Type 1 Diabetes is caused by factors that are out of your control, Type 2 can be prevented and managed with increased activity, healthy food choices, and weight loss. Speak to your gp Bowral about your potential diabetes risks and have your blood sugar tested.

I believe in taking a holistic approach to patient care, will take the time to carefully listen to your concerns, answer your questions honestly and ensure that you are comfortable with all treatment plans we decide to go with. My patients would describe me as being professional, thorough, methodical and thoughtful in my approach to health care.