Diabetes - Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Types & More

Risk Factors for Diabetes

Undetected diabetes can pose itself as a health risk. Depending on the type of diabetes, daily medication may be required. Left undiagnosed & unmanaged, you may be putting yourself at risk of developing medical complications.

Risk factors for Type 1 Diabetes

The biggest risk factor for type 1 diabetes in a child is if their parent or sibling also has the condition. Early exposure to certain viral illness can also increase a child’s risk of developing type 1 diabetes, as can the existence of damaging autoantibodies.

Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes

While some type 2 diabetes risk factors are out of your hands, many are related to your lifestyle & can be managed. The main risk factors obesity, physical inactivity & a poor diet – can be modified through healthy eating & regular exercise, though some – age, family history & ethnicity – are out of the patient’s hands.

• Obesity: Obesity is a primary factor.
• Physical Inactivity: Physical inactivity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Family History: A parent or sibling having the condition increases your risk.
• Ethnicity: Studies indicate Black, Hispanic & Asian people may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Age: The risk of developing the condition increases as you get older, particularly after 30.
• Prediabetes: If your blood glucose levels are higher than they should be, your risk of developing type 2 goes up as well.
• Gestational Diabetes: Pregnant women who had GSD while expecting have a higher risk of developing type 2, or who have previously delivered a baby heavier than 4.1kg.

Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes

There’s a wide range of risk factors for gestational diabetes (GSD), though two of the biggest are being prediabetic or having had GSD in a previous pregnancy. While some risk factors – such as obesity, prediabetes, race, family history & physical inactivity – are shared with type 2 diabetes, women who suffer from PCOS are more likely to develop GSD. Here are the risk factors for GSD:

• Being overweight or obese.
• Physical inactivity.
• Having had GSD in a previous pregnancy.
• Having prediabetes.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• A close family history of any type of diabetes.
• Having previously delivered a baby weighing more than 4.1kg.
• Ethnicity – studies suggest that Black, Asian & Hispanic women may be more prone to developing GSD.

Complications of Diabetes

While diabetes is a common chronic condition & one that can be managed with medication & lifestyle changes, it must not be taken lightly. Neglected symptoms of diabetes & continuing an unhealthy lifestyle can have dangerous consequences.

Complications of Type 1 Diabetes include:

• Damage to the nerves & kidney
• Impaired vision or damage to the eyes
• Numbness or shooting pain in the hands & feet
• Digestive complications

Complications of Type 2 Diabetes include:

• Damage to the nerves
• Impaired vision & damage to the eyes
• Adverse impact on hearing
• Damage to the kidney
• Numbness in the hands & feet
• Disease of the heart & kidney
• Heart complications

Complications of Gestational Diabetes include:

• Giving birth to an overweight baby
• Premature birth
• Respiratory complications
• Low blood sugar levels
• Risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life

Treatment for Diabetes

Not all types of diabetes require medication for treatment. Mild cases of diabetes or pre-diabetics can be managed with professional guidance, lifestyle changes, & awareness. However, this depends on the severity of your condition. Seeking a doctor’s advice is highly recommended.

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

The most common treatments for type 1 diabetes are short - intermediate - & fast-acting insulin. Apart from that, monitoring carbs, fat & protein intake in one’s diet is important for type 1 diabetes patients, as is frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Aside from lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet & regular exercise regime, there are also a number of medications that can help patients manage their condition:

• Metformin 
• Sulfonylureas
• Meglitinides
• Thiazolidinediones
• DPP-4 inhibitors
• GLP-1 receptor agonists
• SGLT2 inhibitors
• Insulin

Due to the nature of gestational diabetes affecting both mother & child, it’s critical that women experiencing symptoms consult a doctor to begin diabetes treatment as early as possible. While a healthy diet, exercise & regular blood sugar monitoring may all help, between 10 & 20 percent of women with gestational diabetes may require insulin injections.

Preventing Diabetes

Not all types of diabetes can be prevented, although Type-2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. Depending on the nature & stage of your condition, your doctor may suggest simple lifestyle adjustments & a more mindful approach to food & fitness.

If you are concerned about a sedentary lifestyle or your diet, here are some ways to prevent Diabetes:

• Exercise: If you spend most of your day sitting, schedule at least 30 minutes of physical movement every day. This could range from walking to exercising at the gym.
• Watch Your Weight & Diet: If you are overweight or obese, reduce the number of calories you consume per meal & try swapping processed food with natural food. Consider complex carbohydrates like lentils & sweet potatoes instead of fries, chips, & fried foods.
• Lifestyle Habits: Try to reduce the amount of alcohol & tobacco you consume.
• Manage Stress: If you regularly experience high levels of stress & get insufficient sleep, try altering your routine to make more time for relaxation & rest.
• Visit Your Doctor Regularly: If you have had an unhealthy lifestyle for a while, you may be at risk of being pre-diabetic. Getting a regular check-up will help you assess your health & lifestyle, giving you enough time & guidance to prevent diabetes.