Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

November 10, 2008

November is American Diabetes Month. Type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disorder, accounts for 90 percent to 95 percent of diabetes cases, with the incidence rising along with obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and aging population, as well as better or early detection. About 80 percent of those with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Your odds of having type 2 diabetes go up with these risk factors:

• Being over 45
• Having a close family member with diabetes
• Being in certain racial or ethnic groups. If you’re of African American, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Native American descent, your risk is higher.
• Being overweight or obese
• Being physically inactive
• Having low HDL cholesterol levels or high triglycerides.

Even if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can lower your odds of developing the disease. And if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a registered dietitian can develop a healthy eating plan that’s right for you.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team