Quiz: How to Assess Your Family Risk Factors For Type 1 Diabetes
The rates of diabetes have been increasing in recent years, but understanding the disease and how to treat it can be confusing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes (that’s 37 million people)—and that number is expected to surge in the coming years. Both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) involve a problem with the body’s production of insulin, which moves glucose (sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it’s used for energy.
T1D is considered an autoimmune disorder and occurs when the body doesn’t produce insulin. T2D is not considered an autoimmune disorder, and occurs when the body makes insulin but its cells don’t respond effectively. Some symptoms of T1D and T2D overlap, but it’s not always easy to know if you should be screened for one or the other—or both. As a result, the CDC estimates that a whopping 8.5 million cases remain undiagnosed.
So how do you know whether you’re at risk of developing diabetes, and what steps should you take if you are? Take the quiz below to find out. Whether you’re concerned about yourself, a close relative, or a friend, it’s important to get a handle on your know-how, so you can take the proper steps to maximize your health.
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