Diabetes 2- At What Age Can Anyone Get It? Do You Know ?
by on Jun.22, 2010, under Uncategorized
At what age do people develop type 2 diabetes? The answer a few decades ago was mainly as older adults. The answer today is anyone at any age can receive a diagnosis. A few decades ago, the Western diet was much more healthier. It had more fresh vegetables and fruits in it. Meat didn’t contain all the hormones and other additives. Physical activity levels were also much healthier. People walked more. Many worked on the farm or traveled by bicycle more. Kids played outside more. All of this leads to a healthier body weight and activity level. Well, that is not the reality today.
People are much more sedentary now. They live in front of the television and the computer. Our diets have changed significantly as well. More and more meals involve packaged and processed foods. The amounts of sweets and unhealthy fats consumed have skyrocketed in that time frame. All of these changes have a direct link to the rising numbers of people with type 2 diabetes. These days, most Type II Diabetes individuals are adults who it seems have excess body weight and follow a sedentary lifestyle. Anybody over the age of 45, increases their likelihood of getting a diagnosis dramatically. However, the ages of those diagnosed gets younger and younger however.
Children are still more likely to get a diagnosis for type 1 instead of type 2 diabetes. Type 1 goes by the alternate name of juvenile Diabetes for that reason. However, the number of children developing type 2 diabetes is growing. Those between 10 and 20 are more likely than children below 10 are. While the reported incidences of children and teens with Type 2 Diabetes are very minor when compared to adults, the rising numbers of cases is a problem. Many new cases in these age brackets stem from the increased numbers of overweight and sedentary children.
Age is an important consideration when looking at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Those older than 65 have a much higher chance than those younger do. Those over 45 with excess weight have a much higher chance than those younger or slimmer do. Nevertheless, age is not the only factor to consider. Anyone carrying excess weight has a higher chance than those who are slimmer. Those with a family background have an increaed chance than anybody with a clean family history. As you age, take more care to avoid diabetes. However, monitoring your health is paramount at any age.
