Diabetes: Are You At Risk?

Although the causes of diabetes are unknown, the following risk factors may increase your chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

• A family history of diabetes. If a parent or sibling in your family has diabetes, your risk of developing diabetes increases.
• Age over 45
• Race or ethnic background. The risk of diabetes is greater in Hispanics, blacks, Native Americans and Asians.
• Being overweight. If you are overweight, defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25.
• Hypertension. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing diabetes.
• Abnormal cholesterol levels. HDL, ("good") cholesterol, levels under 35 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and/or a triglyceride level over 250 mg/dL increases your risk.
• History of gestational diabetes (developing diabetes during pregnancy) or of delivering a baby over nine pounds can increase your risk.
• A history of Polycystic ovary disease (PCOS)
• Habitually inactive
• History of vascular disease (such as stroke)

A person with some or all of the above listed risk factors may never develop diabetes, but your chances increase the more risk factors you have.