Diabetes is one of the most worrisome of illnesses today. In some cases, it can be prevented. In others, it is a life-long battle that directly impacts health, lifespan and even quality of life. Generally, when you go in to see your doctor for annual checkups, he or she will provide recommendations about diabetes if you are at a high risk. Who should be screened for it? In most cases, diabetes is a type of health condition that is routinely screened for through wellness exams. Your
health insurance likely covers this.
Who is at Risk for Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus, the clinical name for this condition, occurs when the body cannot control the amount of glucose in the blood stream. Some people are more likely to develop this condition than others. The following are some of the most common risk factors for this condition. If you have these, your doctor will recommend routine diagnostic testing to ensure you have not or are not developing the condition.
Type II diabetes risk factors include:
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Weight: Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop cells that are resistant to insulin.
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Activity level: Those who are inactive are more likely to develop this condition.
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Family history: If a parent or a sibling has type II diabetes, you are more likely to have it as well.
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Age: Those who are over the age of 40 are more likely to develop this condition, though it can happen to anyone
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Race: African Americans, American Indians, Asian-Americans and Hispanics are more likely to develop diabetes.
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Gestational diabetes occurrences: If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes while you were pregnant, you are at a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Additionally, those who have polycystic ovary syndrome, high cholesterol levels or high blood pressure are also more prone to develop diabetes.
As a result, your doctor will likely have you screened at least once a year during an annual check-up for diabetes. Your health insurance is likely to cover the bloodwork that determines this type of condition.
