What are the risks of type II diabetes?

Risk factors for developing diabetes include the following:

• Being age 45 or older
• Being under age 45 and overweight
• Being overweight (body mass index of 25+)
• Carry most of your fat around your waist or stomach
• Being physically inactive
• Being of African American, Native American, Hispanic American, Asian American or Pacific Islander descent
• Have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
• Have had a baby that weighed 9 pounds or more at birth
• Have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Have high blood pressure ( 130/80 mmHG or higher)
• Have low high-density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol level (less than 35)
• Have high triglyceride level of 250 or above
• Have a blood glucose greater than 125 mg/dl fasting (after not eating or drinking fluids except water for 8 hours)

What are the symptoms?

Signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:

• unusual thirst
• frequent urination
• unusual weight loss
• extreme fatigue or lack of energy
• blurred vision
• frequent or recurring infections
• cuts and bruises that are slow to heal and
• tingling or numbness in hands or feet.

It is also important to recognize that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.

Don't wait for the signs!
Diabetes can sometimes have obvious signs. But, most people with type II diabetes do not notice any symptoms. However, if you or a family member have any of the above symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.