Am I at risk?
Type 2 diabetes does not occur suddenly, but rather develops gradually over many years. People who are already diagnosed with prediabetes are particularly at risk. This is a precursor of the disease. The primary reason is a lifestyle that is hazardous to health and puts more and more strain on the metabolism over several years. Diabetes is also more likely to develop in those with a family history of the disease.
People with a higher risk can often prevent the onset of the disease or at least delay it.
With type 1 diabetes it is more difficult to predict who is more at risk. Unlike type 2 diabetes, lifestyle does not play a role here. Researchers are still trying to figure out the exact cause of the autoimmune disease. One thing is sure – children of parents with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk.
It is possible to detect type 1 diabetes by screening before the disease breaks out. Those who know of an increased risk can prevent a life-threatening metabolic derailment when it manifests.