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

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