Diabetes – the risk
factors
Diabetes and age
Most people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. The older you are,
the greater your risk of diabetes.
Diabetes runs in families
The closer the relative with diabetes, the greater your risk of
diabetes.
Weight is a factor in diabetes
Over 80 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight.
The more overweight and unfit you are, the greater your risk
of diabetes.
Diabetes and pregnancy
Pregnant women can develop a temporary type of diabetes called ‘Gestational
diabetes‘. Having this, or giving birth to a large baby,
can increase a woman’s risk of going on to develop Type 2
diabetes.
In Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms may not always be easily recognized.
Being
diagnosed can be scary, but remember, you can lead a full and healthy
life with diabetes.
SAD BUT TRUE:
-
Over 10% of the populations
have diabetes.
-
40% don’t know that they have it
-
People are 5 times more likely to suffer
kidney disease due to diabetes
-
The rate of diabetes has
tripled and is growing steadily
-
We are at risk of diabetes
related blindness
-
We are at risk of diabetes related amputations
-
Our starchy diets, genetics and environmental
factors; such as an inactive lifestyle and a high
fat and high carbohydrate diet
keeps us at risk
-
Lack of awareness,
delayed diagnosis and our general lack of urgency can
kill us.
But do not be discouraged! You may not be at risk, take the test
below to find out if you are at risk of type 2 diabetes.
AM I AT RISK?
This simple chart will help you know if you are at risk of Type
2 Diabetes:
| HEIGHT |
WEIGHT (KG) |
WEIGHT (POUNDS) |
| 4'10 |
58 |
129 |
| 4'11 |
60 |
133 |
| 5'0 |
62 |
138 |
| 5'1 |
64 |
143 |
| 5'2 |
66 |
147 |
| 5'3 |
68 |
152 |
| 5'4 |
71 |
157 |
| 5'5 |
73 |
162 |
| 5'6 |
75 |
167 |
| 5'7 |
78 |
172 |
| 5'8 |
80 |
177 |
| 5'9 |
82 |
182 |
| 5'10 |
85 |
188 |
| 5'11 |
87 |
193 |
| 6'0 |
90 |
199 |
| 6'1 |
92 |
204 |
| 6'2 |
95 |
210 |
| 6'3 |
97 |
216 |
| 6'4 |
100 |
221 |
If your weight is equal to or more than that shown on the above chart,
you may be at risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
There is another way to find
out:
Low Risk:
- If you have had a baby who weighed
4kg (9 pounds) or more at birth.
- If you have a family member
with diabetes
Medium Risk:
- You are under 65 and do little/no
exercise
- You are between 45-64 years of age
High Risk
- You are 65 & Older
- You fit into one or more of the categories
above.
The more categories you fit into, the greater the risk.
4 Simple survival tips:
- Be aware
- Be educated
- Be treated
- Be safe
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
If you suspect that you may have type 2 diabetes, all hope is
not lost! As we have said many people manage their diabetes and go
on
to live a happy fulfilled life.
Start by doing the best you can:
SMOKING:
Stop! Smoking clogs up your system
and puts pressure on your internal organs
WEIGHT:
If you are over weight, begin cutting down
on your portions of sugary, starchy and fatty foods. Choose food
low in salt and eat 5 portions of fruit and
vegetables a day.
EXERCISE:
Begin an exercise program to get yourself more
active, walk more and drive less where possible. Doing exercise for 30 minutes
a day, 3 or 4 times a
day can dramatically improve your health.
ADVICE:
Get more help and advice from your local hospital
or clinic. Watch out for our vans when we come to your area and come discuss
with health professionals.
ALCOHOL:
Reduce your alcohol intake and drink less spirits
such as gin, whisky and brandy.
CHECK UPS:
Best of all go for regular check ups; a doctor
can tell you when you are improving and how to maintain the good work! |
AM
I AT RISK?
Information
Center