Beat Heartburn
What's Your Risk?
By Jennifer Fields
If you still believe eating sugar leads to diabetes, think again. The likelihood that you'll develop type 2 diabetes -- a leading cause of death in the U.S. -- is influenced by a number of factors. Kenneth Snow, M.D., Acting Chief, Adult Diabetes, Joslin Diabetes Center and Professor of Clinical Medicine, Harvard Medical School, gives an overview of the top risk factors.
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Gaining Lately?
Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) over 30, is a major predictor of the disease, but the risk starts as soon as you become overweight. As the number on the scale climbs, so do your chances of developing it, says Snow.
You Don't Move
Physical activity isn't just good for keeping your weight in check and boosting your heart health: Regular exercise can help regulate insulin in the body and reduces your risk, says Snow. While there's no magic formula for how much activity you need to ward off diabetes, benefits can be seen with as little as an hour a week, but more is definitely better.
It's In the Genes
Each person is born with a certain degree of insulin resistance, meaning how your body produces and reacts to insulin is genetic to some extent, says Snow. However, your genetic predisposition for developing diabetes doesn't make it inevitable that you'll get it. You're less likely to become diabetic if you exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
Your Medicine Cabinet
Some medications used to treatdepression,like Zyprexa, and other prescription drugs, such as the steroid Prednisone, used for all sorts of illnesses from pulmonary diseases to poison ivy, have been linked to diabetes. It's important talk with your doctor and weigh the risks of not using the medication against the possible side effects of taking it, Snow says.
In the Minority
It's not entirely clear why, but people of color (Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos and Asians) tend to be at a higher risk for developing diabetes even when their BMI is not considered obese or overweight.
All In the Family
Having a first-degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister or child) with diabetes means you're much more likely to develop the illness yourself. This is likely due to genetics as well as lifestyle habits you inherit from your family.
Eating for Two
Because of hormone changes and weight gain during pregnancy some insulin-resistant women may develop gestational diabetes. However, because such a large number of people have undiagnosed diabetes, it is possible that many women already have the illness and are unaware until they are tested during pregnancy.
More on Health
▪ What Is Diabetes?
▪ Diagnosing Diabetes
▪ Taking Precautions
