Unfortunately, just about everyone is at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. It is a widespread disease that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. But scientists have noted some genetic and environmental factors that put certain people at a greater risk. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:
Your age. Most Type 2 diabetes diagnoses happen after age 35. But it is possible to develop insulin resistance at much younger ages. More recently, doctors have been diagnosing increasing numbers of children and teens with Type 2 diabetes.
Your weight. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition, which means your weight plays a role in it. If you are overweight or obese, you are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
Your family history. There isn’t a diabetes gene, but it’s well-established that a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can run in families. If your parents or grandparents had diabetes, your risk also increases.
Your physical activity level. Couch potatoes, take note: Research has linked a lack of regular exercise to a heightened risk for Type 2 diabetes.
Your racial background. Researchers are not entirely certain why, but Type 2 diabetes is more common in people of certain ethnicities. These include people of African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian America, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander descent.
Your blood pressure and cholesterol. High blood pressure and high cholesterol don’t only increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. Research has also linked these conditions to a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Your medical history. Certain conditions appear to go hand in hand with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. These include depression, heart attack, stroke, polycystic ovary syndrome, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.