- Having a first-degree relative -- a parent, brother, or sister -- with diabetes
- Being African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.
- Having gestational diabetes, or giving birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
- Having blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, or having been told that you have high blood pressure.
- Having abnormal cholesterol levels -- an HDL cholesterol level of 35 or lower, or a triglyceride level of 250 or higher.
- Being inactive or exercising fewer than three times a week.
Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they usually have pre-diabetes -- a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes within 10 years and also are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Pre-diabetes is common in America, according to new estimates. About 41 million people, or 40 percent of U.S. adults ages 40 to 74, have pre-diabetes.
Some women develop gestational diabetes during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. NIH SeniorHealth National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.seekwellness.com)
