Diabetes - Are You At Risk?

Anyone can develop diabetes at any age, but some of us are at particular risk of type 2, gestational diabetes and pre-diabetes. You are most at risk if you:

• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Are over 55 years of age
• Are over 45 and are overweight and/or have high blood pressure and/or a familyhistory of type 2 diabetes
• Have heart disease or have had a heart attack
• Do little or no physical activity
• Are over 35 years and an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• Are over 35 years and from Pacific Islands, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background.
• Feeling tired and run down

People with pre-diabetes are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, as are women who have had gestational diabetes, have had a large baby (over 4 kg/9 lb) or have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• Lack of energy for no specific reason
• Unexplained weight changes
• Constant thirst
• More frequent need to pass urine
• Increased appetite, especially for sugary foods
• Blurred vision
• Skin infections and itchiness

In those with Type 1 diabetes, these symptoms tend to develop very quickly. With Type 2 diabetes, there may be few if any obvious symptoms. If present, symptoms usually develop more slowly, and so are often not noticed or are simply seen as part of getting older.

Even if there are no obvious symptoms, damage can still occur to the body's organs as a result of higher-than-normal blood glucose levels, so it is essential to consult your doctor if you believe you are at risk or have symptoms of diabetes.

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