Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that is brought on by pregnancy. It often goes away after the baby is delivered. Gestational diabetes occurs in about 4% of all pregnancies and can lead to premature birth or high birth weight babies.

Who is at Risk For Gestational Diabetes?

Any woman who is pregnant may suffer from Gestational Diabetes. Those who are at a higher risk are:

* Women who are obese
* Have a family history of diabetes
* Previously had gestational diabetes
* Gave birth to a stillborn
* Gave birth to a 9lb baby
* Have glucose in the urine
* Those with Ethnic backgrounds of African American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian
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Who is at Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes. This does not mean that young adults or teenagers can not develop this type of diabetes. In the last few years there has been a increase in the number of younger people developing Type 2 Diabetes due to poor diets and lack of exercise. It is not completely clear why one person develops diabetes over another. It has been linked to genetic factors but these are not the only risk factors for developing diabetes. Here is a list of factors associated with who is at risk of developing diabetes.

Some ethnic groups are at higher risk of developing type 2 Diabetes. This can be due to cultural differences and genetic dispositions. The groups that are at the most risk include African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans and also Japanese Americans.

Age also plays an important factor in your risk for developing diabetes. Since 90% of all diabetes are associated with type 2 diabetes those who are over 45 years of age are at greater risk. Those who are over age 65 are at the greatest risk for developing diabetes. Read the rest of this entry »

Dry skin can be a very uncomfortable and unattractive condition at time. Therefore, the definition for dry skin is Dry skin or Xerosis as it is known by medical terms is a common problem.

Who Can Get Dry Skin?

Dry skin tends to occur when the skin lacks vital moisture and this happens with advancing age or to other causes, which will be explained here. Anyone can get dry skin at any time when his or her skin is not getting the required moisture.

Causes of Dry Skin

The causes of dry skin are numerous. Skin is very susceptible to losing its normal state of moisture with the changing of the seasons. The season, which does cause the driest skin issues, is the winter. This can happen because of being constantly exposed to central heating in your home or in other buildings.

Some of the other causes of dry skin can range from taking a bath and towel drying to using the wrong kind of soap to a moisturizing lotion that traps moisture. Other factors can also cause dry skin and some of these are attributed to diseases such as Psoriasis and Thyroid disorders. Alcohol and drugs can cause dry skin and Dehydration.
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