Quiz: How at risk are you of diabetes? Prevent signs and symptoms by taking this test
DIABETES can develop at any age, and type 2 diabetes is the most common form. So how at risk are you? Take the test to find out.
Diabetes is a condition whereby the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired resulting in elevated levels of glucose in the blood.
The two main types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys cells that produce insulin, and type 2 diabetes is where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition, so how at risk are you of developing it?
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Diabetes is a lifelong condition, so how at risk are you of developing it?
Type 2 is far more common than type 1 and its primary risk factor is being overweight.
So a new quiz aims to reveal if your diet, exercise and sleep habits are contributing to your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The test produced by Healthline also suggests what you can do to reverse the risks.
Question number one asks how often do you work out - fewer than 20 minutes a day or more than 20 minutes a day.
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The next asks if you are drinking more than one sugary drink per day, and questions on the number of hours of sleep you get a night, how many cigarettes you smoke daily and how many pieces of fruit and vegetables you eat a day follow.
Healthline says: “While there are some uncontrollable genetic factors that may impact your chances of developing type 2 diabetes, there are also many lifestyle changes you can make to help minimise your risks.
“The sooner you understand your specific risk factors and discuss making appropriate changes with your doctor, the sooner you’ll be on the path to better health.”
Once your results are revealed, Health Line suggests ways you can change your lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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Why the following are important to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
Exercise
Exercise helps you maintain a lower body weight and improves your body’s regulation of blood glucose levels.
Sugary drinks
People who sip on sodas have a 26 per cent greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, so it is best to stick to drinks that do not contain lots of refined sugar.
Sleep
Sleeping habits have a direct impact on the body’s glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, so sleeping poorly puts you at greater risk for type 2 diabetes.
Smoking
Smoking can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30 to 40 per cent.
Fruit and vegetables
Eating five a day can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Note: This assessment is not a diagnostic tool. It merely aims to help you understand the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and give recommendations for lifestyle changes.
