What are The Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes?

Carrying too many additional pounds is a top risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the accepted measure for ascertaining body weight in relation to the general health for most individuals (pregnant women, athletes, body builders excluded) in the 20 to 65 age group. A BMI exceeding 27 typically means a risk for type 2 diabetes.

Having an apple-shaped figure (too much fat above the hips) generally signals a greater risk factor for type 2 diabetes than for individuals with a pear-shaped figure (too much fat in the thighs and hips). Males with a waist measurement of larger than 39.5 in. (100 cm), and females, larger than 37.5 in. (95 cm) are considered to be at greater risk.

Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age. Those over 45 are at a greater risk than their younger counterparts and those over 65 are three times as high as people in the 35 to 64 age group.

Staying physically fit and keeping our weight in check minimizes our chances for acquiring type 2 diabetes. Eating a proper diet and exercising regularly will also help improve blood sugar levels for those who already have the disease.

If a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes you are at risk too. While the cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, genetics appears to play a key role. In 2003, researchers found a key gene that could explain why some are more susceptible to the disease than others. Although type 2 diabetes is linked with a strong genetic predisposition, the genetics of this type of diabetes are complex and not yet clear.

Nearly 40 percent of women who have diabetes while being pregnant will develop type 2. Usually within five to ten years after delivery.

Having impaired glucose tolerance is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. This can occur prior to the development of type 2 . While people with this risk factor alone are not considered to have the disease, the resulting abnormal blood sugar levels puts them at increased danger for type 2 and also cardiovascular disease. As we get older our glucose tolerance decreases, along with our chances for getting type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia.

Ethnic Ancestry: Those of African, Aboriginal, Asian or Latin American ancestry are at greater risk of having type 2 diabetes.

High Blood Pressure is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes that is common in as many as 6 out of 10 people with undiagnosed diabetes.

High Cholesterol: Among those with diabetes more than 40 percent have abnormally high cholesterol levels.

By: John Richmond