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Certain ethnic groups are more at risk for developing diabetes. African Americans are one of these groups. Being overweight is another significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
Who is at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes?
- People with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
- People over age 45
- People with a family history of diabetes
- People who are overweight
- People who do not exercise regularly
- People with low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure
- Certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and American Indians and Alaska Natives)
- Women who had gestational diabetes, or who have had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth
Visit stopdiabetes.com to take the FREE Diabetes Risk Test.
If you believe you are risk, you may want to schedule an appointment with a physician for a physical exam. Part of that exam would most likely include a blood test to check if you have diabetes.
Answer submitted by Rita Smith, RN, MSN, CDE, Certified Diabetes Educator at the Provena Mercy Medical Center for Diabetic Wellness.
There are conditions that can increase your risk for stroke. These risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, heart disease, heavy alcohol use, physical inactivity and obesity, atrial fibrillation and family or personal history of stroke. Some of the above items are controllable and others are part of our genetics (uncontrollable). Also those individuals who have certain clotting disorders (Factor V Leiden or Antiphospholipid syndrome) are at a higher risk for stroke, because of the increased tendency to develop clots.
In regards to migraine, research has shown that those individuals who experience migraines with a visual aura are at an increased risk of stroke, particularly women with other medical conditions associated with stroke (Stroke, 2007). The Visual aura is the phase during a migraine attack in which a disturbance of vision occurs. Usually a patient will see flashes of white and/or black or multicolored lights dazzling zigzag lines. The aura is experienced for approximately 5-20 minutes. Some patients have blurred, cloudy or tunneled vision. It is important to know your history as well as learn as much as you can regarding your family’s medical history-It may just save your life.
Answer submitted by Jennifer Fasano, Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Nurse, & Stroke Coordinator at Provena Mercy Medical Center.
