Dealing with Diabetes

My uncle has diabetes. Am I at risk too?

1 out of every 5 Filipinos could potentially have Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) or Pre-Diabetes.

Yet, many Filipinos may be unaware because there may be no warning signs.

Body Mass Index (BMI) and Diabetes Risk

“My BMI is 28 kg/m2.”

If you have a BMI of over 23 kg/m2. that means you are overweight and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Have yourself tested earlier for blood sugar level.

If your waist circumference is > 80 cm (females) or >90 cm (males), you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Have yourself tested earlier for blood sugar level.

Selected Risks for Diabetes

“Two years ago, my HDL level was 30 mg/dl and triglycerides of 300 mg/dl. Is that relevant to diabetes?”

Serum HDL (good cholesterol) of < 35 mg/dl and/or triglycerides of >250 mg/dl carries a risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Have yourself tested earlier for blood sugar level.

“I work in the office from 9am to 5pm. At home, I am glued to the computer surfing the net.“

A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

“My sister was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.“

If you have a first degree relative with T2DM, you are at risk of developing T2DM.

Consult your doctor for early detection and control of diabetes

If you have any of the following, you are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes mellitus :

“I am 42 years old, but I don’t notice anything unusual in my body.”

Undergoing testing for T2DM is highly recommended for all adults above 40 years old.

“A week ago, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome”

“My OB-Gyne said that I might have had this even earlier since when I started menstruating; my period has been irregular.”
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a risk for developing T2DM.

“The doctor told me that my blood glucose level is higher than normal”

…but it is not high enough to diagnose me with diabetes.”
History of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a risk for developing T2DM.

“When I delivered my second child, he weighed 8.5 lbs.”

History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, or delivery of a baby weighing 8 lbs. or above, is a risk.