What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

By: John Richmond

Obesity. Being overweight is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the standard for determining body weight relative to health for most patients in the age group of 20 to 65 (excluding the highly conditioned such as athletes, or women who are nursing or pregnant.) A Body Mass Index in excess of 27 signals a risk for type 2 diabetes, and other complications such as heart disease, and early death.

Having an apple-shaped figure (too much fat above the hips) generally signals a greater risk factor for type 2 diabetes than for individuals with a pear-shaped figure (too much fat in the thighs and hips). Males with a waist measurement of larger than 39.5 in. (100 cm), and females, larger than 37.5 in. (95 cm) are considered to be at greater risk.

Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age. Those over 45 are at a greater risk than their younger counterparts and those over 65 are three times as high as people in the 35 to 64 age group.

Having a sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Maintaining an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle may prevent the onset of the disease. Think of it as a lifestyle disease, triggered by obesity, a lack of exercise, increased age and to some degree, genetic predisposition.

If type 2 diabetes is present in a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) you are at risk too.

Nearly four out of every ten women who have diabetes during pregnancy will eventually develop type 2. This usually happens within 10 years of giving birth.

Having impaired glucose tolerance is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. This can occur prior to the development of type 2 . While people with this risk factor alone are not considered to have the disease, the resulting abnormal blood sugar levels puts them at increased danger for type 2 and also cardiovascular disease. As we get older our glucose tolerance decreases, along with our chances for getting type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia.

Ancestry plays a key role. Earlier screening is encouraged for people with high-risk ethnicity such as Native American, African American, Pacific Island, and South Asian.

High Blood Pressure: This risk factor for type 2 diabetes is present in up to to 60 percent of people with undiagnosed diabetes.

High Cholesterol and type 2 diabetes go hand in hand. Preventing and controlling diabetes goes beyond blood sugar control. Cholesterol levels should be managed with diet, exercise and the proper medications.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

It's wise to know the type 2 diabetes risk factors and John Richmond, a frequent contributor to YourDiabetesInfo.com and diabetes researcher has other informative articles there as well.

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