updated 11:27 a.m. ET May 18, 2009
GENEVA - China, Britain, Japan and other countries urged the World Health Organization on Monday to be very cautious about declaring the arrival of a swine flu pandemic, fearing that a premature announcement could cause worldwide panic and confusion. WHO bent to their wishes.
As the agency opened its annual meeting, WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said she had listened carefully to the concerns of member states and would follow their instructions.
The new swine flu virus continues to spread rapidly, but the world is still short of facing a pandemic, Chan said, keeping the alert level at the currently phase 5 out of a possible 6, indicating a global outbreak is likely.
"This virus may have given us a grace period, but we do not know how long this grace period will last," Chan said. "No one can say whether this is just the calm before the storm."
At phase 6, the world has a swine flu pandemic — meaning there is an epidemic in at least two world regions.
Read more about WHO: Swine flu epidemic in ‘grace period’
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Risk Factors for Diabetes
1. History of diabetes in a parent or sibling
A recent report based on information from adults previously diagnosed with diabetes who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that individuals with a first degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister) had an increased risk of getting diabetes. Individuals who had a first degree relative with diabetes had a 14.3% chance of developing diabetes. This study also showed individuals risk for diabetes increased with the number of family members diagnosed with diabetes (2).
2. Obesity & physical inactivity
Obesity is defined as being 20% over desired body weight or having a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or greater. Obesity can keep your body from making enough insulin or using insulin properly.
Physical inactivity can also increase your risk for diabetes. Regular exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels and is important for weight control.
3. History or gestational diabetes, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), or having a baby greater than 9 lbs.
Women with a history of gestational diabetes have a 40% greater chance of having diabetes later in their life (3).
4. Race
Certain races/ethnic groups are at greater risk for getting diabetes.
Ethinic groups at risk include:
African American
Hispanic American/Latino
American Indian
Native Alaskan
Asian American
Pacific Islander
5. Age
You are at greater risk for diabetes if you are older than 45 years of age. Your risk for diabetes continues to increase with age.
6. High blood pressure and high cholesterol
If you have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, this also increases your risk for diabetes.
Is there anything I can do to decrease my risk of diabetes?
Yes! Recent studies have shown promising results at reducing the risk of diabetes. Age, race, and family history you have no control over, but with diet and lifestyle modifications you can significantly reduce your risk for diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program, a recent federally funded study, has shown that modifications in diet and exercise decrease the risk of getting diabetes significantly. Persons in this study exercised for 30 minutes 5 times per week, followed a low-fat and low-calorie diet, and lost 5%-7% of thier body weight. These individuals reduced their risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 58% (3).
What if I have risk factors for diabetes?
If you are above 45 years of age, you may want to be tested for diabetes. You may also want to be tested if you are under 45 and have one or more risk factors.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet:,
2. Annis AM, Caulder MS, Cook ML, Duquette D. Family history, diabetes, and other demographic and risk factors among participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002. Prev Chronic Dis, 2005 Apr. Available from:
3. Food and Drug Administration. Diabetes Information: Questions and Answers,
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Read more: "Am I at Risk for Diabetes?" -
A recent report based on information from adults previously diagnosed with diabetes who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that individuals with a first degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister) had an increased risk of getting diabetes. Individuals who had a first degree relative with diabetes had a 14.3% chance of developing diabetes. This study also showed individuals risk for diabetes increased with the number of family members diagnosed with diabetes (2).
2. Obesity & physical inactivity
Obesity is defined as being 20% over desired body weight or having a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or greater. Obesity can keep your body from making enough insulin or using insulin properly.
Physical inactivity can also increase your risk for diabetes. Regular exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels and is important for weight control.
3. History or gestational diabetes, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), or having a baby greater than 9 lbs.
Women with a history of gestational diabetes have a 40% greater chance of having diabetes later in their life (3).
4. Race
Certain races/ethnic groups are at greater risk for getting diabetes.
Ethinic groups at risk include:
African American
Hispanic American/Latino
American Indian
Native Alaskan
Asian American
Pacific Islander
5. Age
You are at greater risk for diabetes if you are older than 45 years of age. Your risk for diabetes continues to increase with age.
6. High blood pressure and high cholesterol
If you have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, this also increases your risk for diabetes.
Is there anything I can do to decrease my risk of diabetes?
Yes! Recent studies have shown promising results at reducing the risk of diabetes. Age, race, and family history you have no control over, but with diet and lifestyle modifications you can significantly reduce your risk for diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program, a recent federally funded study, has shown that modifications in diet and exercise decrease the risk of getting diabetes significantly. Persons in this study exercised for 30 minutes 5 times per week, followed a low-fat and low-calorie diet, and lost 5%-7% of thier body weight. These individuals reduced their risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 58% (3).
What if I have risk factors for diabetes?
If you are above 45 years of age, you may want to be tested for diabetes. You may also want to be tested if you are under 45 and have one or more risk factors.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet:,
2. Annis AM, Caulder MS, Cook ML, Duquette D. Family history, diabetes, and other demographic and risk factors among participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002. Prev Chronic Dis, 2005 Apr. Available from:
3. Food and Drug Administration. Diabetes Information: Questions and Answers,
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Breast Self Exam
Learn how to perform a breast self exam
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when there is endometrial tissue outside of the endometrial cavity.
Depression: How to Help Those Who are Suffering
Tips on how to help friends or family with depression..
Read more: "Am I at Risk for Diabetes?" -
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