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Prediabetes - What Increases Your Risk
The risk factors for prediabetes are similar to the risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Most people who get type 2 diabetes had prediabetes first.
Risk factors that you cannot control include:
- Family history. If you have a parent, brother, or sister who has type 2 diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing the disease.
- Age. The risk for getting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes increases with age. And the number of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is increasing. Usually, children who get type 2 diabetes have a family history of the disease, are overweight, and are physically inactive.3
- Race and ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes than whites.4
- History of gestational diabetes or having a baby weighing more than 9 lb (4 kg). Women who have had gestational diabetes or who have had a large baby are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.4
- Low birth weight. People who weighed less than 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) at birth are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.5
There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting prediabetes and diabetes:
- Lose weight. Your risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
increases as your weight (or body mass index, BMI) increases. Your risk also
increases if most of your
body fat is in your belly area
. Reaching and staying at a healthy body weight can
reduce your risk. - Get more exercise. The less you exercise, the greater your risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.6 Try to do moderate activity at least 2½ hours a week. Or try to do vigorous activity at least 1¼ hours a week. It's fine to be active in blocks of 10 minutes or more throughout your day and week.7 For more information, see the topic Fitness.
- Eat foods that are good for you. Eating a lot of sugary foods, red meat, soft drinks, and fast food can increase your risk of getting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Eating whole grains, nuts, and vegetables can decrease your risk.8
- Get treatment if you have prediabetes. If your fasting blood sugar levels are in the range from 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL, you are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.9
- Quit smoking. This change may reduce your chance of developing complications from diabetes.
Other conditions that put you at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes-and that are also linked with obesity and a lack of physical activity-include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone imbalance that interferes with normal ovulation.
- Metabolic syndrome, a group of abnormal physical findings related to the body's metabolism.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Prediabetes Topics
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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