Besides age and overweight, what other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?
To find out your risk for type 2 diabetes, check each item that applies to you.
I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
My family background is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.
I have had gestational diabetes, or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure.
My cholesterol levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) is 35 or lower, or my triglyceride level is 250 or higher.
I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week.
What can I do about my risk?
You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing weight can all help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also help you stay healthy.
If you are overweight - Then take these steps:
  • Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight .
  • Make wise food choices most of the time.
  • Be physically active every day.
If you checked - I am fairly inactive.
Then take this step:
  • Be physically active every day
If you checked - My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.
Then take these steps:
  • Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight.
  • Make wise food choices most of the time.
  • Reduce your intake of salt and alcohol.
  • Be physically active everyday.
  • Talk to your doctor about whether you need medicine to
    control your blood pressure.
If you checked - My cholesterol levels are not normal.
Then take these steps:
  • Make wise food choices most of the time.
  • Be physically active every day.
  • Talk to your doctor about whether you need medicine to
    control your cholesterol levels.