Through the years, scientists and medical professionals have dedicated their research to gaining more information about diabetes. They have shared with the world the data collected in each study to provide better diabetes knowledge. Individuals and organizations also aid in spreading awareness of the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. Since type 1 and type 2 diabetes aren’t yet curable, medical professionals encourage people to opt for prevention. And to eliminate the chances of developing diabetes, you must be aware of the risk factors.

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Apart from genetics and being overweight, there are other signs you must look out for. Along with family history, there are non-modifiable risks for Type 2 diabetes, such as race or ethnic background, age, and gestational diabetes. You could still lower your chances if you keep in mind the modifiable risk factors. Watch out for your:

• Weight
• Physical Exercise
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Smoking frequency
• Alcohol intake
• Diet
• Mental health
• Sleeping routine

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Prevention is your top priority. You also need to communicate with your general physician. They might have more suggestions and advice to decrease your diabetes risk level. Healthy living will be your answer — finding balance and getting rid of bad habits is a good start. These risk factors can be found in both men and women. However, a recent study discovered there are differences between men's and women’s diabetes risk indicators. The research was conducted by a team from Karolinska Institute. Their findings about prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes progress in men and women are published in Frontiers in Endocrinology.

In 2016, research from Shanghai also determined the difference between men's and women’s diabetes prevention. For males with prediabetes, it is most recommended to be more physically active — to engage in workouts that increase muscle mass. Whereas for females, type 2 diabetes won’t further progress if waist circumference and abdominal obesity are reduced. In the latest research, having low serum levels of the adipose tissue protein adiponectin is a risk factor for women. As for men, having low serum levels of the liver protein IGFBP-1 is a diabetes risk indicator. These proteins detect insulin sensitivity in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle.

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Furthermore, the study concluded that protein levels determine if the person will most likely have diabetes in 10 years. "Our study explains why this gender difference was seen when it came to preventive lifestyles," Kerstin Brismar, professor of diabetes research at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery said. “The proteins we studied in men and women increase with increased muscle mass and physical activity (IGFBP-1) and with reduced abdominal obesity and calorie restriction (adiponectin),” Their findings also clarified why having a consistent workout routine is insufficient in eliminating potential diabetes development.

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"We have previously shown that waist circumference was a strong independent predictor of type 2 diabetes in women and now we were able to show that it was linked to reduced production of adiponectin, a protein / hormone produced in the adipose tissue to, among other things, protect against cell stress," Kerstin Brismar further explained. Different studies have supported the information, wherein both mice and humans were observed. Indeed, high normal levels of adiponectin and liver protein assist in preventing Type 2 diabetes. It is advisable to prioritize tracking these protein levels as well along with other modifiable risk factors. Opt for a healthier lifestyle at the first sign of an impending disease.