Diabetes is a serious medical condition in which the body has difficulty processing glucose. The American Diabetes Association's 2007 report reports that nearly 24 million Americans--8 percent of the total population--lives with diabetes. Of those living with diabetes, 18 million were properly diagnosed while another 6 percent were still left untreated or undiagnosed. Currently, 57 million adults and approximately 2 million overweight teens aged 12 to 19 live in various stages of pre-diabetes.
Ethnic Background
The National Diabetes Education Program suggests that the greatest risk factors for diabetes are an individual's ethnic background and body-mass index (BMI). Individuals with African, Hispanic/Latino, Native, Asian or Pacific Islander ethnic backgrounds have the highest risk factors involved with becoming diabetic. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and Native Americans all increase their risks when their BMI is above 25. Asian Americans are at increased risk when their BMI is above 23, while Pacific Islanders at at greater risk if their BMI is above 26. In addition, the Marshfield Clinic suggests that individuals from other ethnicities may also present a risk if they are over the age of 45, obese and live a sedentary lifestyle.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women are prone to gestational diabetes if they are carrying a child weighing over 9 lbs. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene suggests that gestational diabetes is a temporary condition rather than a chronic illness and typically subsides when the child is delivered.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS) is a condition seen in women who experience problematic menstrual periods, pelvic pain and difficulty in conceiving a child. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development defines POS as abnormal adrenal hormone production followed by a lack of ovulation, cystic growths and excessive male hormones. In many circumstances related to POS, the woman is obese and diabetes becomes a possible and comorbid factor.
References
- "American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics"; 2010
- "National Diabetes Education Program: Diabetes Risk Factors"; 2010
- "Marshfield Clinic: Risk Factors for Diabetes"; 2010
- "New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Gestational Diabetes Fact Sheet"; 2010
- "National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome"; May 2007
