How to Find Out if You Are at Risk of Juvenile Diabetes
If you do not have diabetes yourself, but a primary relative (e.g. brother, sister, mother, father, children) does, then statistically you have a slightly higher risk of also becoming diabetic. This means that you should have yourself tested regularly or as a minimum, make sure you watch out for the symptoms. Knowing you are at a higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes will mean you will be better able to react, should the worst happen in the future.
Aside from a family link, the following factors have been shown to increase the risk of getting diabetes:
- If you are very overweight
- If you take little or no exercise
- If you smoke
- If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- If you are of South Asian descent. This can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes by five, when compared to Western Europeans
If you are the child of a diabetic parent, either your mother OR father, then you have a less than 5% chance of also becoming diabetic. By eating well and exercising sensibly, the risk factor can be reduced. Please check out our exercising and diet sections for information on sensible eating and how to get active without even knowing it.
Inheritance is only one factor in getting diabetes and as illustrated above, is only a fairly minor factor. Medical professionals are still searching for the key trigger for diabetes, until it is found and can be treated, all that you can do is reduce your chances. Children especially, should be strongly encouraged to exercise instead of sitting in front of a TV or computer screen. A well balanced diet is important too. Other factors that may increase the chances are excessive stress levels during childhood, caused for instance by family rows and arguments. For the sake of you and your children's health - run a happy home!
Recommended Supplier
Diabetic Supplies from DiabetesStore.com
DiabetesStore.Com is a leading online retailer of all types of diabetes-related products at the lowest prices you'll find anywhere.
More Resources
[ www.jdrf.org ]
[ www.childrenwithdiabetes.com ]
[ www.joslin.org ]
[ www.diabetes.org
]
Comments and Questions
If you have any questions or comments relating to this section, please send them here and we will be happy to respond. Please note our privacy policy.
Pages in this section...
[ Symptoms ] [ Initial Diagnosis ] [ Risks ] [ Treatments ] [ Injection Sites ] [ Pens and Syringes ] [ Insulin Pumps ] [ Infusion Sets ]
| It takes more than just losing a few pounds to truly live a happier, healthier and more fulfilled lifestyle. That's why the Slim Girl's Box of Secrets comes with a unique set of benefits that you just won't find elsewhere. |
| In recent years a new alternative to manual individual injections has emerged. Enter the Insulin Pump. The first Insulin Pumps were quite bulky...... |
| Aside from medication and a good diet, exercise is the next most important aspect of managing your diabetes and helping to prevent.... |