Risk factors & why me?

Risk factors influence the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. Some risk factors we can change. Some we cannot change.

• Weight. Being overweight is a major risk.
• Inactivity. The less active you are, the greater your risk. Physical activity helps control your weight. It allows cells to use up glucose as energy. It also makes your cells more sensitive to insulin.
• Family history. The risk of Type 2 diabetes increases if your parent or sibling has Type 2 diabetes.
• Race and ethnicity. People of certain races and ethnicities are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than white people are. This includes Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian people, and Pacific Islanders.
• Blood lipid levels. People with Type 2 diabetes often have high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
• Age. The risk of Type 2 diabetes increases more after age 45.
• Pregnancy-related risks. Your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases if you developed gestational diabetes when you were pregnant. It is also higher if you gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds (four kilograms).
• Stress. Stress does not cause diabetes, but it can affect your blood sugar levels. It can stop you look after your condition properly.
• Medicine. Some medicines can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.