Am I at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

Am I at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
Taking Steps to Lower Your Risk of Getting Diabetes
On this page:
* What is type 2 diabetes?
* Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
* What are the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
* Should I be tested for diabetes?
* What does having pre-diabetes mean?
* Besides being older and overweight, what other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?
* How can I reduce my risk?
* Making Changes to Lower My Risk
* Hope through Research

What is type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use the hormone insulin, made in the pancreas, to help them process blood glucose into energy.

People develop type 2 diabetes because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly. Eventually, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the bodyÌs needs. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.

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