Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. The most prevalent type is type 2 diabetes, which typically affects adults and is brought on by either insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that is released from the pancreas to facilitate the storage of glucose as glycogen and triglycerides in the body. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes more insulin to try to get cells to respond. Over time, the pancreas can’t keep up, and the blood sugar rises. In the long term diabetes mellitus can cause major harm to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. However, you can take steps to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes.

The prediabetes and type 2 diabetes risk assessment analyses genes associated with congenital type 2 diabetes along with modifiable risk factors to predict risk of developing prediabetes. This assessment offers early detection and more accurate prediction compared to standard blood glucose testing. It can identify individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes who have not yet been diagnosed and aids in helping them understand their conditions, preventing the onset of diabetes and avoiding potential complications.

The following risk factors may increase chances of developing type 2 diabetes:

• Middled-aged individuals
• Overweight
• Hypertension or high blood cholesterol
• Family history of diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes or giving birth to infants with body weight ≥ 4kg
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Fatty liver
• History of heart disease or stroke