Type-2 Diabetes Risk Factors

Having knowledge of the specific type-2 diabetes risk factors will help you from ever developing this destructive disease!

Type 2 diabetes has become so common in this country, that you probably know dozens of people that have this condition. The type-2 diabetes risk factors can be broken down into two basic categories: genetic disposition and diet. Being aware of these risk factors can help prevent you or your other family members from ever developing this disease. If your ever diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it then becomes a lot more difficult to manage and control the many complications of this progressive and destructive disease.

It's a proven fact that genetic factors contribute to diabetes. Native Americans, Eskimos and African Americans make up the highest rate of type 2 diabetes in the U.S. The fact that these ethnic groups have adopted a Westernized diet in a relatively short period of time is probably a major contributing factor. Their original native diets did not contain the highly processed and sugar laden diets that majority of Americans eat today. While other groups of people may have a genetic advantage because they have been consuming a Western diet for many generations, which has allowed them to gradually adapt over hundreds of years, no one is exempt. It may just take this disease longer to develop in these people.

Obesity used to be primarily in adults, but because of poor dietary habits, we now starting to see children who are both obese and have diabetes. This makes the connection of a poor diet and diabetes become very clear. It is the type of food you eat, as well as the amount, that causes you to become overweight to begin with. It dose not matter how old you are, if you are overweight, lose it! Following a good diet for diabetes will help with this problem.

Genetics and obesity are the two most important type-2 diabetes risk factors. By having poor dietary habits, you are inviting problems! Now is the time to change your diet to include much healthier foods. Knowledge is the key. Knowing the specific type 2 diabetes risk factors in the foods you eat can actually save your life.

Insulin resistance happens when you pancreas is overloaded with lager amounts of foods that are refined, have high carbohydrates and large amounts of sugar. This leads to a break down of the pancreatic function, which in turn, reduces your body's ability to metabolize sugar. Pancreatic exhaustion is a major type-2 diabetes risk factor. Instead of eating the traditional way (three times a day), try dividing up your food consumption into several smaller meals a day. This will reduce the stress on your pancreas, and help keep it functioning properly.

In addition to eating these mini meals spread throughout the day, make sure that these meals are very low in refined sugar, high in fiber and that they contain complex carbohydrates. These types of meals will slowly break down into sugars which will allow the pancreas to work at a moderate pace. One can of soda will cause an instant rush of sugar into your bloodstream, while a serving of vegetables is broken down gradually over a period of time.

Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which will flush out toxins in your body and help keep your digestive system healthy. People with type 2 diabetes are always told to include a lot of fiber in their daily diet, because this has been proven to be a great way to control their condition and help avoid complications. Based on this, it would stand to reason that a lack of fiber is another type-2 diabetes risk factor.

I'm sure you have heard that drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is important for a healthy diet. Water flushes out toxins that can build up in your kidneys, allowing them functioning properly and stay healthy. Patients with type 2 diabetes often suffer kidney problems, so keep yours healthy with a daily intake of as much water as possible.

To complement your healthy eating program, keep active and get plenty of exercise. Your heart and lungs will thank you. A lack of exercise is also one of the a type-2 diabetes risk factors, because cardiovascular problems and diabetes often go hand in hand with one another.

Understanding these risk factors and living a healthy diabetic lifestyle will put you ahead of the game!