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Type 2 diabetes - risk factors
Alternative Names
Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes; Diabetes risk factors
Information
You have a higher risk for diabetes if you have any of the following:
- Age greater than 45 years
- Diabetes during a previous pregnancy
- Excess body weight (especially around the waist)
- Family history of diabetes
- Given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
- HDL cholesterol under 35 mg/dL
- High blood levels of triglycerides, a type of fat molecule (250 mg/dL or more)
- High blood pressure (greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg)
- Impaired glucose tolerance
- Low activity level (exercising less than 3 times a week)
- Metabolic syndrome
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- A condition called acanthosis nigricans, which causes dark, thickened skin around the neck or armpits
Persons from certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans, have a higher risk for diabetes.
Everyone over 45 should have a blood sugar (glucose) test at least every 3 years. Regular testing of blood sugar levels should begin at a younger age, and be performed more often if you are at higher risk for diabetes.
See: Type 2 diabetes
References
American Diabetes Association (ADA). Standards of medical care in diabetes—2009. Diabetes Care. 2009;32:S13-S61.
In the clinic. Type 2 diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146:ITC-1-ITC-15.
American Diabetes Association (ADA). Standards of medical care in diabetes. IV. Prevention/delay of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2007;30:S7-S8.
Inzuchhi SE and Sherwin RS. Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In: Goldman L and Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 248.
Reviewed By: Reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Also reviewed by Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital.
