Diabetic hyperglycemia is a serious metabolic disease that affects over 23 million Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association, 24 percent of hyperglycemics remain undiagnosed due to the absence of symptoms. There are two types of hyperglycemia associated with diabetes: type I (or insulin dependent) and type II (insulin independent). The secret to managing hyperglycemia is to be on the lookout for its symptoms, risk factors and to take immediate action when they appear.
Primary Risk Factors for Type I Diabetes
Type I diabetes is also called insulin dependent or juvenile diabetes because it occurs early in life. Type I diabetics fail to make enough insulin by the pancreas. As a result, they experience hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. Family history and genetic predisposition to the disease are the major risk factors. It is also possible to contract type I diabetes from diseases of the pancreas that interfere with insulin production. Unfortunately, because of the unique type of circumstances that confront type I diabetics, it is difficult to avoid, but relatively easy to manage through insulin therapy and medications.
Risk Factors for Type II Diabetes
Type II diabetes is called non-insulin dependent diabetes because the disease is not predicated on the absence or shortage of insulin. Instead, the diabetic's body becomes insensitive to insulin, resulting in its inability to use circulating blood glucose. The overwhelming risk factor for type II diabetes is obesity. People with a body mass index over 30 are said to be overweight and at risk for diabetes. Somewhat related to obesity is sedentary living. People who do not engage in regular exercise and are overweight may develop insulin resistance.
Other Risk Factors
In addition to obesity and sedentary living, ethnic origin, hypertension and age are the major risk factors for type II diabetes. Diabetes occurs more frequently in Native, Latino, African and Asian-Americans as well as Pacific Islanders and Alaskan natives. High blood pressure and age are also related to hyperglycemia. Women who have a history of gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for type II diabetes than their healthier counterparts.
