UW Health Services

•	Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism

Images

Diabetes risk fa...

 

Diabetes risk factors

Alternative Names

Information

You have a higher risk for diabetes if you have any of the following:

• Age greater than 45 years
• Diabetes during a previous pregnancy
• Excess body weight (especially around the waist)
• Family history of diabetes
• Given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• HDL cholesterol under 35
• High blood levels of triglycerides, a type of fat molecule (250 mg/dL or more)
• High blood pressure (greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg)
• Impaired glucose tolerance
• Low activity level
• Poor diet

Persons from certian ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans, all have high rates of diabetes

Everyone over 45 should have their blood glucose checked at least every 3 years. Regular testing of random blood glucose should begin at a younger age, and be performed more often if you are at higher risk for diabetes.

See: Diabetes

References

American Diabetes Association. Screening for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2004; 27(Suppl.1):S11-S14.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.