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.
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.
Review Date: 5/20/2009 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.
