Could you have diabetes and not know it? One in four Americans do. Might you be one of them? Read on to see if your risk of having diabetes is high. If you believe you may be at risk for diabetes, take the American Diabetes Association’s type 2 diabetes risk test for a quick assessment. Contact Endocrinology Associates to schedule an appointment; 830.484.4204. 

What increases my risk of Type 2 diabetes?

• Obesity or being overweight.
• Impaired glucose tolerance.
• Insulin resistance.
• Ethnic background. Diabetes happens more often in Hispanic/Latino Americans, African-Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Alaska natives.
• High blood pressure: That means blood pressure over 140/90.
• Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides.
• Gestational diabetes.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Family history. You have a parent or sibling who has diabetes.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Age: Over 40. And overweight.

Prediabetes
Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have “prediabetes” — blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This condition puts you at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

For some people with prediabetes, early treatment can actually return blood glucose levels to the normal range. Research shows that you can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by 58% by:

• Losing 7% of your body weight (or 15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds).
• Exercising moderately(such as brisk walking) 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

​The key is to know your risk and to take action. Take the quick Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and talk to your doctor today.