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The best description for diabetes is a chronic condition that stems from the body’s inability to sufficiently produce and/or properly use insulin. Unfortunately, diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death.
There are a number of ways people can avoid becoming a diabetic, or those who have been diagnosed as prediabetic can reduce the likelihood they will become diabetic.
You are at a higher risk of diabetes if you have any of the following:
- Over age 45
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obese, especially around the middle
- Physically inactive
- High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol
- Certain ethnic background such as Hispanics, Asians, Blacks, or Native Americans
- History of gestational diabetes
- Birth of baby over nine pounds
- Poor diet
- Impaired glucose tolerance
While you have no control over some of the risk factors, there are steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of becoming a diabetic.
Making lifestyle changes such as following a heart-healthy diet, increasing your level of exercise, losing weight, and monitoring your health through your family physician can help ward off diabetes.
