What are my risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes?
To find out your risk for type 2 diabetes, check each item that applies to you.
I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
My family background is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, or Pacific Islander.
I have had gestational diabetes or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing 9 pounds or more.
I have been told that my blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. In other words, I have impaired glucose tolerance or an impaired fasting glucose level.
I am overweight. My weight is at least 20 percent higher than it should be for my height.
I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week.
My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure.
My cholesterol levels are not normal. My LDL cholesterol is higher than 100; my HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) is 35 or lower; or my triglyceride level is 250 or higher.
If you checked one or more boxes, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. If you checked more than three boxes, your chances of getting diabetes are high. It is important to lower your risk by working on the factors under your control.
