What are the risk factors which increase the likelihood of developing diabetes?
• A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes • African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino heritage • Prior history of gestational diabetes or birth of at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds • High blood pressure with 140/90 or higher • Abnormal cholesterol with HDL (“good”) cholesterol 35 or lower, or triglyceride level 250 or higher • Physical inactivity exercising fewer than three times a week You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing weight can all help you reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also help you stay healthy. For more information about risk factors, testing for diabetes, prevention and treatment of the disease, please speak to your medical provider. Source: National Institutes of Health, U.S.
Being overweight or obese A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino heritage Prior history of gestational diabetes or birth of at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds High blood pressure measuring 140/90 or higher Abnormal cholesterol with HDL (“good”) cholesterol is 35 or lower, or triglyceride level is 250 or higher Physical inactivity—exercising fewer than three times a week For more information, see the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouses Am I at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes? [Top] How does body weight affect the likelihood of developing diabetes? Being overweight or obese is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Being overweight can keep your body from making and using insulin properly, and can also cause high blood pressure. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a major federally funded study of 3,234 people at high risk for diabetes, showed that moderate diet and ex
