Diet Therapy For Type 2 Diabetes

Diet Therapy For Type 2 Diabetes

Diet Therapy For Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, affects a significant proportion of adults (up to 10%) and can be life-threatening if not treated. Although there is no cure, type 2 diabetes can be managed and even prevented by changes in lifestyle, including diet and exercise. Complications of diabetes can impact many organs, including the heart and blood vessels, the kidneys, the eyes and the feet. Thus it is important to be aware of the risks of getting this disease and what the symptoms are so that it can be treated promptly if contracted.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes that are beyond one’s control include:

  • family history. Genes can play a role.
  • race. The incidence of type 2 diabetes is higher among blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and Asian-Americans.
  • age. Risk for this type of diabetes increases after 45.

Controllable risk factors are those that people can control by their behavior. The two major controllable risk factors are: