Risk Factors
Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem harmless or go unrecognized. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes and proper treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
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You may be at risk for diabetes if you:
- Are 45 years of age or older
- Are overweight or obese (BMI greater than or equal to 25) View BMI chart
- Are physically inactive or exercise less than 3 times per week
- Have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
- Are member of a high-risk ethnic population (e.g., African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander)
- Have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or currently have a blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg
- Have high cholesterol, or an HDL less than 35 mg/dL and/or triglycerides greater than 250 mg/dL
- Have been previously diagnosed with pre-diabetes
- Had gestational diabetes or had given birth to a baby weighing greater than 9 lbs
The prevalence of diabetes has been significantly increasing in children and adolescents in the last decade. It is recommended that children ages 10 and over or who have reached puberty (if onset is earlier) are screened for pre-diabetes and diabetes with a fasting blood glucose test every three years if they meet the following criteria:
Plus any two of the following:
- Family history of type 2 diabetes in a first- or second- degree relative
- High risk race or ethnicity, such as Native American, African American, Latino, Asian American,or Pacific Islander
- Exhibits signs of elevated blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, or conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, or PCOS.
The risk factors listed above are meant to increase your awareness of diabetes. If you are 45 or older, then contact your physician to be tested for diabetes. Individuals younger than 45 should also be tested by their physician if they have any of the risk factors above. Weight loss and regular physical activity has been shown to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
