Who is at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should. The cause of type 2 diabetes is largely unknown, but several risk factors have been associated with the disease.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
- Age (greater than age 45)
- Overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Family background that is American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
- Parent or sibling with diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- Having had a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds or having had gestational diabetes
- Pre-diabetes
- History of polycystic ovary disease (PCOS)
It is important for people at risk for type 2 diabetes to discuss with their doctor or health care provider whether they should be tested for diabetes.