Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: These are just a few examples of factors that can raise your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Posted September 24th, 2017
“Perhaps you have learned that you have a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes. You might be overweight or have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes. Maybe you had gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that develops during pregnancy. These are just a few examples of factors that can raise your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.” NIH
You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you
- are overweight or obese
- are age 45 or older
- have a family history of diabetes
- are African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
- have high blood pressure
- have a low level of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, or a high level of triglycerides
- have a history of gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more
- are not physically active
- have a history of heart disease or stroke
- have depression
- have polycystic ovary syndrome , also called PCOS
- have acanthosis nigricans—dark, thick, and velvety skin around your neck or armpits
You can also take the Diabetes Risk Test to learn about your risk for type 2 diabetes.