Alternate Names : Risk Factors for Diabetes

Information

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

• Family history of diabetes
• Low activity level
• Poor diet
• Excess body weight (especially around the waist)
• Age greater than 45 years
• High blood pressure
• High blood levels of triglycerides (a type of fat molecule)
• HDL cholesterol of less than 35
• Previously identified impaired glucose tolerance by your doctor
• Previous diabetes during pregnancy or baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• Certian ethnicities -- 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 three 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.