Who is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes?

You are more likely to have type 2 diabetes if you have the following factors.

• Diabetes is prevalent in families. If a parent, brother or sister has diabetes, the chances of getting it yourself are elevated. However, the chances of developing diabetes can be reduced by taking action to modify your daily habits, such as exercise and a healthy diet.
• Have prediabetes. This means that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but you don’t yet have diabetes. To keep this up, exercise more and lose extra weight. Your doctor may recommend taking the prescription drug metformin.
• Do not exercise regularly. It’s never too late to change this. Consult your doctor first so you can know which workouts are safe.
• Overweight, especially in the lower back. Not all people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, but being overweight makes you more likely to develop the disease. Belly fat seems to be particularly dangerous.
• Have heart disease.
• Have high blood pressure.
• Low levels of “good” cholesterol. If it is below 40mg/dl, it is too low.
• High triglyceride level. If above 150mg/dl, it is too high.
• High triglyceride levels.
• Previous diabetes during pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes, or a baby delivered over 4 kg is more likely to have type 2 diabetes.
• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Age 45 years or older. The odds of developing type 2 diabetes increase with age. However, diabetes is not a normal sign of aging.
• Hispanic, African-American, Native American, or Asian. Diabetes is more common in these populations.