The+101+Basic

= The 101 Basic =

** __ Risk Factors __ **
(Accessed at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585/DSECTION=risk-factors on January 20, 2010)
 * **Weight-** Being overweight is a primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
 * **Inactivity**- The less active you are, the greater your risk of type 2 diabetes.
 * **Family history-** The risk of type 2 diabetes increases if a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes.
 * **Race-** People of certain races including blacks, Hispanics, American Indians and Asian-Americans are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
 * **Age-**The risk of type 2 diabetes increases as you get older, especially after age 45.
 * **Prediabetes-** A condition in which your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes.
 * **Gestational diabetes.** If you developed gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later increases.

** __Symptom__ **
** (Accessed at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585/DSECTION=symptoms on January 20, 2010) **
 * **Increased thirst and frequent urination**
 * **Increased hunger**
 * **Weight loss**
 * **Fatigue**
 * **Blurred vision**
 * **Slow-healing sores or frequent infections**
 * **Areas of darkened skin**

__**Prevention**__
(Accessed at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585/DSECTION=prevention on January 20, 2010)
 * **Eat healthy foods.** Choose foods low in fat and calories. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. For every 1,000 calories you consume, try to have at least 14 grams of fiber, because fiber helps control blood sugar levels.
 * **Get more physical activity.** Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. Take a brisk daily walk. Ride your bike. Swim laps. If you can't fit in a long workout, break it up into smaller sessions spread throughout the day.
 * **Lose excess pounds.** If you're overweight, losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can reduce the risk of diabetes. To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem.