Are you one of the many Canadians who have Diabetes and Don’t Know It?
Comments are off for this post.
Anyone over the age of 40 should be tested for diabetes every three years. Anyone who has one or more of the following risk factors should be tested more frequently.
Risk Factors
Type 1 Diabetes:
Currently not known and still being researched, however having a family member with this type of diabetes does slightly increase your risk.
Type 2 Diabetes:
• Family history of diabetes (parent or sibling)
• Overweight: especially around the tummy
• High blood pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Increasing age
• Physical inactivity
• Ethnicity: being a member of high-risk group – Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian or African
• Unhealthy diet
• History of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby weighing more than four kilograms (nine pounds)
• Poor nutrition during pregnancy
• Having been diagnosed with:
o Prediabetes (Impaired glucose tolerance IGT)
o Obstructive sleep apnea
o Polycystic ovary syndrome
o Acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin)
o Psychiatric disorders: schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder
Don’t ignore these risk factors. If you think you might be at risk for developing diabetes, complete the Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire.
The earlier you are diagnosed, the sooner you can take action to stay well – now and in the future. Speak to one of our Scarborough Family Doctors to get tested and for more information.
Source: http://www.diabetes.ca/