Several things put you at risk for diabetes. You can control some of these factors but not all of them.
Risk factors you can control:
Overweight. Too much body fat is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes. If you weigh 20% more than your ideal weight, you are at higher risk.
Smoking causes cells to resist insulin, so they can’t get enough blood sugar for energy.
Lack of physical activity. Being inactive leads to high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
High blood pressure and/or high cholesterol. These conditions raise your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Risk factors you cannot control:
Family history. Your risk is higher if you have a close relative with diabetes.
Gestational diabetes, or having a baby over 9 pounds. Women who had diabetes during pregnancy or had a large baby are at greater risk for diabetes later in life.
Age: Type 2 diabetes is more common in people over 45, but it is rising among young people who are overweight and inactive.
Ethnic group.African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans are more likely than Caucasians to develop diabetes risk.
The more risk factors you have, the more likely you will get type 2 diabetes. Yet just two things—being overweight and inactive—lead to most cases.
