2. Risks, Prevention, Manifestations

key risk factors for diabetes

• age over 45 for type 2

• age under 30 for type 1

• low HDL and/or high triglycerides

• history of gestational diabetes or delivery of a baby over 9 lb

• hypertension

• family history of diabetes

• obesity

• impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance

• higher-risk racial and ethnic groups

what age are people more at risk for type 1 diabetes?

under 30

what age are people more at risk for type 2 diabetes?

over 45

what is a big modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes?

obesity

what pregnancy history increases diabetes risk later?

history of gestational diabetes or delivery of a baby over 9 lb

what labs increase diabetes risk?

high cholesterol/LDLs or triglycerides

what diseases put you at risk for developing diabetes?

• history of cardiovascular disease

• hypertension

• PCOS

• history of gestational diabetes

what can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes?

weight reduction, exercise, education

can type 1 diabetes really be prevented?

not really

what are the 3 classic clinical manifestations of diabetes?

polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia

what does polyuria mean?

increased urination

what does polydipsia mean?

increased thirst

what does polyphagia mean?

increased hunger

why do polyuria and polydipsia happen in diabetes?

excess glucose pulls water into the urine, so the person urinates more and then becomes very thirsty

why can polyphagia happen in diabetes?

there is plenty of glucose in the blood, but the cells cannot use it well, so the body still feels hungry

what other common manifestations of diabetes can occur?

• fatigue and weakness

• sudden vision changes

• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

• dry skin

• slow-healing skin lesions or wounds

• recurrent infections

why can wounds heal slowly and infections recur in diabetes?

dehydration, poorer circulation, and impaired white blood cell function make healing harder and infection more likely

what additional findings can happen in type 1 diabetes if DKA has developed?

sudden weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain