Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library

•	Encyclopedia Home
•	Special Topics A-Z
•	Read Spanish version

Lifespan Services

•	Diabetes and Endocrinology

Images

Diabetes risk fa...

 

More Features

•	Printer-friendly version

 

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 35mg/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. January 2009; 32:S13-S61.

In the clinic. Type 2 diabetes. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146:ITC-1-15.

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. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 248.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.