Do You Have a Higher Risk for Diabetes?

Do You Have a Higher Risk for Diabetes?

More than 37 million Americans have diabetes. That’s about one in every 10 people. Nearly half of them don’t even know it. On top of these stunning numbers, another 96 million American adults have prediabetes. Chances are you or someone in your circle of family and friends deal with this health issue.

Many factors can cause the onset of diabetes. Race, age, lifestyle and community factors are all associated with higher rates of diabetes.

Genetic Factors

African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and other minority groups are most likely to have type 2 diabetes – which make up more than 90 percent of all cases. The most recent research shows African American adults are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. They’re also twice as likely to die from the disease.

Native Americans struggle with a higher risk, too. In some communities, 60 percent of tribal members may be diabetic. The Pima Indians of Arizona have the highest rate of diabetes in the world. More than half of the tribe has been diagnosed with it. Data also shows American Indians develop diabetes earlier in life and have more complications.  

Hispanic communities are also dramatically affected. They’re 70% more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than non-Hispanic whites. And studies show they’re twice as likely to be hospitalized with end-stage kidney disease, and 1.3 times more likely to die from diabetes.  

Age-related Risk

Diabetes also touches many seniors. Nearly 33 million people over the age of 65 are diabetics. With the disease, they face much higher risks for diabetes-related illnesses. Kidney failure and heart disease can all be brought on by diabetes. Low blood sugar can be an unintended consequence in trying to treat diabetes with medications.

Lifestyle Harms

Apart from race and age factors, poor lifestyle choices and health “disparities” can play a huge role in the onset of diabetes and its treatment.

Health disparities might mean living in a rural setting far from health care or a place where there aren’t many choices for care. Some people may live in a ‘food desert’ where healthy foods are hard to find. Areas with high crime can make it harder or even unsafe to exercise.

Still, there are ways to beat these challenges: 

  • Lose weight if you need to and keep it off
  • Be active, exercise at least 150 minutes a week
  • Eat more fiber-rich fruits, veggies, legumes and whole grains
  • Limit the amount of high-fat, high sugar foods you eat
  • Find ways to relax and shake off daily stress 
  • Find care providers in your area and see them regularly

Research shows these changes can help cut the risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 58 percent.

Sources: Statistics about Diabetesleaving site icon American Diabetes Association, 2012; Diabetes and African Americans, leaving site icon U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, 2021; Diabetes Within American Indian and Alaska Native Populations, leaving site icon Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020; Diabetes Still Highest Among AI/AN, leaving site icon National Indian Council on Aging, Inc., 2019; Diabetes and Hispanic Americans, leaving site icon U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, 2021; Diabetes Prevention: 5 Tips for Taking Control, leaving site icon Mayo Clinic, 2021; Research Behind the National Diabetes Prevention Program, leaving site icon Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021.

  Originally published 12/29/2014; Revised 2019, 2022 

Anonymous