Being overweight or obese is a leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and typically strikes middle-aged and older adults. Diabetes is a disease caused when the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as excessive weight and lack of exercise appear to play roles as well as age.

While it's impossible to change heredity or age, the other risk factors can be addressed through lifestyle changes. Recently, the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Prevention Program proved that Type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed by keeping weight under control and by increasing physical activity. The study found that the participants who increased their physical activity and lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight reduced their chance of developing diabetes by 58 percent during the course of the study.

There are several major types of diabetes. Type 1 results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that unlocks the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel time.

Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body needs more insulin than it can make to control the blood sugar.

Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough for diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women. It may disappear after childbirth, but it is likely to develop again during subsequent pregnancies. Women with gestational diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of diabetes include unusual thirst, a need to urinate frequently, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision and a feeling of being tired constantly. These symptoms tend to be more acute in Type 1 diabetes. In fact, many people with Type 2 diabetes are unaware they have it.

Risk Factors for Diabetes

· Being older than 45
· Being overweight
· Having a close family member, like a parent, brother or sister, who has or had diabetes
· Having had diabetes during pregnancy
· Being African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian-American or Pacific Islander, or Native American.

People with diabetes must control their blood sugar levels to prevent problems. Long-term complications of diabetes are:
· Eye disease
· Kidney disease
· Nerve damage
· Heart disease and stroke

Diabetes is the main cause of kidney failure, limb amputations, and new onset blindness in adults as well as a major cause of heart disease and stroke.

Prevention continues to be a key to stemming this unfolding epidemic. By eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can greatly reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of diabetes can delay and even prevent the progression of serious health problems such as heart disease, blindness and kidney problems.

Dr. Trachtenbarg is board-certified in family practice and geriatrics. He has a special interest in the management of diabetes. Dr. Trachtenbarg sees patients at Methodist Family Medical Center.