As diabetes becomes a fixture in our culture, it begs the question of risk. Does gender matter? Does ethnicity matter? How much of our genetic characteristics predispose us to diabetes? What can we do to reduce risk?
As of 2013, 8.3% of the United States population has diabetes and it is the cause of death for over 70,000 people every year. Worldwide, 347 million people have diabetes. Statistics between men and women with diabetes are evenly divided.
First, a quick review. Type I diabetes is genetic and is an unchangeable condition. It is also the least common of both types and requires insulin maintenance. Type II diabetes generally presents because of lifestyle and/or diet issues. It is treated with diet and exercise and in more severe cases, insulin supplementation. Gestational diabetes occurs with pregnancy and is often temporary. Symptoms typically mirror those of Type II diabetes.
Diabetes is rife with complications but the most serious is heart disease. Women are at greater risk than men for developing diabetes-related cardiac issues. Of diabetics who experience heart attacks, women have a lower chance of survival and if they do survive, they experience a poorer quality of life.
Researchers theorize that genes related to diabetes are hereditary. Specific genes related to immune response may increase the likelihood of an individual developing Type I diabetes. Genes related to insulin function may cause an individual to be more likely to develop Type II diabetes.
Specific ethnicities are at greater risk for developing diabetes. Specifically, those ethnicities are African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. Researchers believe that because of frequent states of famine, these ethnicities developed a gene that stores food energy to better protect these groups from starvation. Given that food is generally more readily available now, this same gene causes obesity rather than preventing starvation. Additionally, lack of access to medical care and/or resources may increase the incidence of diabetes among minorities.
Unfortunately, age is also a risk factor. In adults aged 65 or older, just under 30% have diabetes.
Regardless of genetic risk or lifestyle hazards, the treatment of diabetes is essentially the same for everyone. If you have Type I diabetes, monitor your insulin levels as directed by your physician, exercise, stop smoking and eat healthfully. If you have Type II diabetes, discuss possible lifestyle changes with your doctor to reduce risks and/or severity. Keep your blood pressure in check, get your cholesterol tested and closely monitor your risk factors.
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