Diabetes Risk Factors

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When people talk about risk factors of diabetes, it’s usually in reference to forms of type 2 diabetes, including prediabetes and gestational diabetes.
In the case of type 2 diabetes and other forms of diabetes linked to insulin resistance, the risk of developing these conditions can be reduced by ensuring you maintain a healthy balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Risk factors for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
The factors which increase risk of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes include:
- Having a close relative with type 2 diabetes or type 2 diabetes running in the family
- Being over 40 years old
- Having high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Being overweight or obese
- Having previously had gestational diabetes
- Being of South Asian, Middle Eastern or African Caribbean descent
Having a number of these factors raises the risk of type 2 diabetes further. Whilst being over 40 years old is listed as a risk factor, development of type 2 diabetes before the age of 40 is becoming increasingly common, particularly in those that are overweight and have one or more other risk factors.
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes
The main risk factor for type 1 diabetes is having a close family member with type 1 diabetes and particularly if both parents have type 1 diabetes. You may also be at a higher risk of type 1 diabetes if other autoimmune diseases, such as coeliac disease or rheumatoid arthritis run in the family.
Risk factors for gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is closely related to type 2 diabetes and therefore shares the same risk factors. In addition, a further risk factor is having previously given birth to a baby weighing 10 lbs (4.5kg) or more.
Last reviewed: January 20, 2015 at 17:30
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