Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder in which the body has difficulty regulating its blood glucose or blood sugar level.
The burden of diabetes is increasing globally, particularly in developing countries. While the causes are complex, but the increase is in large part due to rapid increases in overweight, including obesity and physical inactivity. There is good evidence that a large proportion of cases of diabetes and its complications can be prevented by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco.
Are you at risk of developing diabetes?
Yes if you are:
- 45 years of age or older
- Overweight with a BMI (Body mass index) of 25 or over.
- Is your waist measurement more than 35cm (for women) and 40cm (for men)
- Physically inactive
- Have a close relative with diabetes
- Have a history of gestational diabetes or delivering an overweight baby (> 9 pounds)
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome
- High triglycerides or low HDL (good) cholesterol
- Have had abnormal blood sugar tests in the past
- Have heart disease
- Have acanthosis nigricans, a discoloration of the skin, which can be caused by insulin resistance
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