Diabetes is a common condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin. Your body may produce less insulin, or your body cells could become resistant to the insulin, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. This is accompanied by several symptoms that can either be short-term or long-term. The good news is that the condition can be effectively managed and avoided when you understand your risk factors. The Bastrop diabetes specialists can help you identify your risks through several evaluations and assessments. Here is a breakdown of how you can know your diabetes risk factors.
Assess Your Gestational Diabetes Risks
If you are pregnant, you are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Ensure you get adequate testing during prenatal visits to your doctor and repeat severally before your child is born. Note that you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes after your child is born if you endure gestational diabetes. Having a BMI of 30 or more at the time of pregnancy or getting pregnant over the age of 25 increases your chances of developing gestational diabetes. Also, having a third or more excellent pregnancy could increase your risks. Additionally, being Asian, Native American, Black, or Hispanic makes you at a higher risk of gestational diabetes than other women.
Understand Pre-Diabetes Risk Factors
Pre-diabetes is the stage where your blood sugar levels are beyond the normal range of 70-99. Being at 45 years or more puts you at the risk of this condition, and you must maintain regular medical assessment as you advance in age. Also, being overweight, living a sedentary life, having a family history of diabetes two, and enduring high blood pressure increases your risks for the pre-diabetes condition. Additionally, your risks are more if you delivered a baby with 9 pounds or greater. Talk to your doctor if you fall under any of these categories.
Assess Your Type 2 Diabetes Risks
Type 2 diabetes can be called full-blown diabetes since it is when your body cells have completely resisted any influence from insulin and leptin. The condition could result in short-term and long-term symptoms. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are similar to those of pre-diabetes. They include family history of diabetes, any history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, being overweight, and being over 45 years old. Additionally, chronic stress could raise your risks.
Evaluate your Type 1 Diabetes Risks
Experts agree that type 1 diabetes results from a mix of environmental factors and predisposition. Generally, your risks for the condition are higher if you are white, had early childhood stress, or have an identical twin with the condition. Also, cold weather and viruses can trigger the development of the condition. However, children who breastfeed longer and only eat solid food later have lower chances of developing type 1 diabetes than others.
Consult Your Doctor
No matter how you evaluate your risk factors on your own, your doctor is specially trained to diagnose issues and can help you better know your diabetes risks. You can get tested for gestational diabetes during pregnancy, get a blood glucose test, submit to an A1C test, or have a ketone test done if necessary. It will also help if you request routine testing to help you monitor your blood sugar levels and notify you when your risk factors change.
Understanding your risk factors is vital and will help you take the necessary steps to minimize the risks and manage your symptoms. You can contact Pompeyo Chavez MD for your diabetes consultation or book an online appointment.
