Knowing the risk factors of diabetes can help you consult a doctor or make the necessary lifestyle changes to keep the condition under control. Here’s a look at the risk factors for the major types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes: This is thought to be caused as a result of an immune reaction, wherein the body attacks itself. The risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not really as clear as they are for other types of diabetes. However, a few known risk factors are:
- Family history: If you have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes, you may be more at risk of developing the condition.
- Age: While you can develop type 1 diabetes at pretty much any age, people are more likely to be diagnosed with it early on in their life.
Type 2 diabetes: The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are:
- You are prediabetic
- You are 45 years or older
- You have been overweight for a long time
- You are not physically active
- You have a close family member (parent or sibling) with type 2 diabetes
- You’ve had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant or your baby weight over 9 pounds
- You are American Indian, African American, Latino American, or an Alaska Native
- You have non-alcoholic fatty liver
You can control or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by making the right lifestyle changes like eating healthier, losing weight, and getting sufficient physical activity.
Prediabetes: You are at an increased risk of developing prediabetes if:
- You are overweight
- You are an older adult (over the age of 45)
- You’ve had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant or your baby weight over 9 pounds
- You are American Indian, African American, Latino American, or an Alaska Native
Lifestyle changes can help you delay and even reverse this condition.
Gestational diabetes: You could develop gestational diabetes if:
- You were diagnosed with it during your previous pregnancy
- You’ve given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds
- You are over 25 years
- You are overweight
- You’ve had a family history of type 2 diabetes