MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Diabetes risk factors

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Diabetes risk factors

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Information References

Illustrations

Diabetes risk factors

Alternative Names Return to top

Risk factors for diabetes

Information Return to top

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
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
Poor diet

Persons from certian ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans, all have high rates of diabetes

Everyone over 45 should have their blood glucose checked at least every 3 years. Regular testing of random blood glucose should begin at a younger age, and be performed more often if you are at higher risk for diabetes.

See: Diabetes

References Return to top

American Diabetes Association. Screening for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2004; 27(Suppl.1):S11-S14.

Update Date: 4/26/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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