Focus On Minimizing Your Risk for Diabetes

Without weight loss and increases in moderate physical activity, 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within how many years?

5 years

What are the two things that can happen that cause a person to become type 2 diabetic?

the pancreas does not make sufficient insulin or the body cells are resistant to its effect- a condition called insulin resistance.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

thirst, excessive urination, increased hunger, weight loss, fatigue, nerve damage, poor wound healing and increased infections

T or F: The symptoms of diabetes are different for T1D and T2D.

False

T or F: Type 2 diabetes usually develops quickly.

False

What do most experts believe type 2 diabetes is caused by?

a complex interaction between environmental factors, lifestyle, and genetic susceptibility

What is diabetes mellitus?

a group of diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose levels

What are seven steps you can take to reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes?

eat smaller portions and choose food with less fat, salt, and added sugar; get moving 30 minutes of exercise per day; quit smoking; reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption; get enough sleep; inoculate yourself against stress; get regular checkups

T or F: At current rates, more than 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes by 2050.

True

T or F: Over 90 percent of people with prediabetes don't know it.

True

T or F: Poorly controlled diabetes can cause a number of complications.

True

T or F: Some people with type 2 diabetes can control their condition with changes in diet and lifestyle habits or with oral medications. However, some people with type 2 diabetes and all people with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or infusions.

True

T or F: The high blood glucose levels—or hyperglycemia—seen in diabetes can lead to serious health problems and premature death.

True

T or F: Treatment options for people with prediabetes and diabetes vary according to disease type and progression.

True

What type of diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all cases?

Type 2 Diabetes

What percent of women who develop gestational diabetes may develop type 2 diabetes within a decade of initial diagnosis if they don't make lifestyle changes?

between 40 and 50 percent

What are the modifiable risk factors?

body weight, dietary choices, level of physical activity, sleep patterns, and stress levels

Whenever a surge of glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin. What does insulin do?

insulin stimulates cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream and carry it into the cell, where it is used for immediate energy

What two things significantly reduce the risk of people with prediabetes progressing to type 2 diabetes?

regular exercise and losing as little as 5 to 7 percent of body weight

How is diabetes and prediabetes diagnosed?

with a blood test that reveals elevated blood glucose levels