Am I at Risk?

Anyone can develop diabetes, regardless of their age.

Type 1 Diabetes

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not well defined.  Genetic and environmental factors could trigger the development of the disease.  If one of your family members has diabetes, then you have an increased chance of developing the disease.

Type 2 Diabetes

Several risk factors have been defined for type 2 diabetes:

• Age - Type 2 diabetes used to occur mainly in people over the age of 40; however, it is now affecting children and teens to a greater extent. 

• Weight - About 80% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.  The more overweight you are, the greater your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. 

• Family History of Diabetes - People are more at risk if they have a close family member with diabetes.  The closer the relative, the greater your risk of developing diabetes. 

• Physical Inactivity - People who do not lead an active life are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  The less active you are, the greater your chances of developing diabetes.

• Impaired Glucose Tolerance - People usually have a blood sugar level between 70-110 mg/dl.  Impaired glucose tolerance is a level that is higher than normal, but not high enough to be in the range where doctors classify this as diabetes.  This range is often called pre diabetes.  An estimated 16 million people age 40-74 have pre diabetes.  These people are at high risk for developing diabetes. 

• Race - Ethnicity - African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, and Pacific Islanders are more likely to have diabetes. 

• Diabetes During Pregnancy - Women who have had gestational diabetes when they were pregnant and delivered a large baby are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a later stage in their lives.

If you think you may be at risk for developing diabetes, you should contact your health care professional.