Type 2 Diabetes

Risk factors you can't change include:^{Reference 1}

• Reference Family history Opens New Window. If you have a parent, brother, or sister who has type 2 diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing the disease.
• Age. The risk for getting Reference prediabetes Opens New Window and type 2 diabetes increases with age. And the number of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is increasing. Usually, children who get type 2 diabetes have a family history of the disease, are overweight, and are physically inactive.
• Race and ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk than whites for type 2 diabetes.
• History of gestational diabetes or having a baby weighing more than 9 lb (4 kg). Women who have had gestational diabetes or who have had a large baby are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
• Low birth weight. People who weighed less than 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) at birth are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Risk factors you can change include:

• Being overweight. Staying at a healthy weight can lower your risk.
• Not getting enough exercise. Being active may help your body control blood sugar levels.
• Eating a diet that isn't healthy. Making healthy food choices is important to avoid diabetes.

Other health problems can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes. These are also linked to Reference obesity Opens New Window and a lack of physical activity:

• Reference Polycystic ovary syndrome Opens New Window (PCOS), a hormone imbalance that interferes with normal ovulation.
• Reference Metabolic syndrome Opens New Window, a group of abnormal physical findings related to the body's metabolism.
• Prediabetes. Having prediabetes means that you are at risk for type 2 diabetes. It's important to get treatment. If your fasting blood sugar levels are in the range from 100 Reference mg/dL Opens New Window to 125 mg/dL, you are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.^{Reference 1}

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.