Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body does not respond correctly to insulin, a molecule that controls levels of a sugar known as glucose in the bloodstream. Specifically, muscles, fat and liver cells cannot correctly take in glucose, which causes it to accumulate in the bloodstream. High levels of blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can lead to blurry vision, fatigue, slow-healing infections, increased appetite and increased thirst and urination. Thus, a patient with a family history of diabetes should understand possible causes to prevent it from occurring.
Low Activity Levels
Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, states that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes even in normal weight patients. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk because muscle cells do not have a demand for energy, or sugar, so sugar stays in the bloodstream. Therefore, the more a patient at risk for developing diabetes increases his activity, the less likely he is to develop type 2 diabetes. With increased activity, muscles cells will use sugar in the bloodstream for energy; thus, levels of blood sugar will be better controlled.
Poor Diet
According to Medline Plus, a poor diet can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. A patient who eats large portions of food, frequent sugary foods or drinks alcohol can increase his risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if his weight is within what is considered to be the normal range. Poor diet forces more sugar into the bloodstream, where it is already accumulating from poor insulin use. The pancreas cannot continue releasing large amounts of insulin to keep up with large sugar demands, and begins to reduce insulin production. This results in increased blood sugar, which increases the likelihood of diabetic complications. Therefore, a patient at risk for developing diabetes should maintain a healthy diet, low in sugar and fats.
History of Gestational Diabetes
The Mayo Clinic states that a patient with a history of gestational diabetes is at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if she maintains a normal weight. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women. A woman who gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds is at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Thus, a woman with a history of gestational diabetes should closely monitor her blood sugar levels after pregnancy.
