About Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the hormone-insulin produced in our pancreas. Insulin is needed to convert sugar and starches into energy used in our daily lives and activities. When someone has diabetes, their body either does not produce insulin (in type 1) or it does not utilize it properly. Am I at Risk? Some people are at greater risk of developing diabetes than others. The most common risks are:
Age
Race & ethnic background
- Aboriginal
- Hispanic
- Asian
- South Asian
- African descent
Family or medical history
- History of diabetes during your pregnancy
- High blood pressure
- Being very overweight compared to your height
Some of the risk factors can be controlled including body weight, high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, nutrition, exercise and general inattention to one’s health. At Diabetes Care Guelph, we suggest you talk with your health care provider about whether you are at risk. If you are at higher risk, we have programs and services that can help you.