Diabetes: Who’s at Risk and What Are the Signs?

Diabetes is one of the biggest chronic health problems facing Americans today. Roughly 120 million people—over a third of the population—either have the disease or are at high risk of developing it in the near future.

The majority of people suffer from type 2 diabetes, which if left untreated can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness, and an overall shorter life expectancy. Even before these severe complications develop, the symptoms of diabetes are enough to drastically diminish your quality of life.

The onset of type 2 diabetes is generally gradual and is a result of abnormally high blood sugar levels. Once the disease fully develops, you can only reverse Type 2 diabetes with diet, exercise and weight loss in many instances.

That’s why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs and stop the onset of diabetes before it becomes a permanent part of your life. Detecting prediabetes is especially crucial since it means you’re even more at risk than others. This infographic explains the biggest risk factors for both types of diabetes, as well as the common symptoms to look out for so you can catch it early. Keep reading to find out and, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a specialist.