The prevalence of adult-onset type 2 diabetes has been increasing rapidly over the past several years. Some even consider the type 2 diabetes increase to be an epidemic in the United States. However, it is possible to delay or prevent diabetes by knowing your individual risk.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

Age – Type 2 diabetes usually develops gradually and is typically diagnosed after age 40, particularly in people who are overweight.

Family History – If someone in your immediate family has type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to eventually develop the disease yourself.

Blood Pressure & Cholesterol – Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol raises your risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease.

Physical Inactivity – Lack of exercise is often linked to excess weight gain, putting you at higher risk for developing diabetes. Exercising burns calories, builds muscles, increases metabolism and makes cells more sensitive to the effects of insulin.

Poor Nutrition – The best methods for both weight loss and control of blood sugar are balanced meal planning and portion control.

What are the Type 2 Diabetes Warning Signs?

The warning signs of diabetes can be subtle. In fact, about a third of all people who have type 2 diabetes don’t even know they have it.

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Falling asleep after eating a meal
• Unusual weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurry vision

If you have one or more of these symptoms, call your doctor to schedule a diabetes test. Early detection and treatment can decrease your chance of developing complications associated with diabetes. With the right diet, right exercise and medications, if needed, you can manage type 2 diabetes and live an active, productive life!

Beachbody, and world renowned fitness expert Kathy Smith, along with the American Diabetes Association created a lifestyle solution of the right diet and exercise for people who are pre-diabetic or live with type 2 diabetes called: Project You: Type 2.