Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes

Here is a list of the major risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes:

• Abdominal fat: waistline greater than 40 in. (man), 35 in. (woman)
• Note: Abdominal fat is biologically more active, causing inflammation
• Overweight/obesity: Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25
• Note: 5-10% of Type 2s are not overweight or obese
• Poor nutrition: too many processed foods
• Sedentary lifestyle: very little physical activity or exercise
• Age: 45 years or older
• High blood glucose: 126 or higher
• High blood pressure: 130/80 or higher
• High triglycerides: over 150
• Low HDL cholesterol: under 40 for men, 50 for women
• High inflammation: high homocysteine, high C-reactive protein
• A family history: of Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease
• Non-Caucasian ethnicity: Hispanic-American, African-American, Native-American, Asian- American
• Poor mental health: e.g. depression, anxiety
• Gestational diabetes: during multiple pregnancies
• Drug use: tobacco, alcohol; prescription, OTC, recreational drugs
• Inflammation markers: C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6)  

Note: If you have 3 or more of these risk factors, you may be at risk for eventually developing Type 2 diabetes. Contact your doctor and set up an appointment for a complete physical.