Diabetes Risk Factors: Understanding Your Potential Risks

There are many risk factors for developing diabetes, including:

- Age: The risk of diabetes increases with age, particularly after age 45.

- Family history: Having a family history of diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition.

- Race/ethnicity: Certain racial/ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans, are more likely to develop diabetes.

- Overweight/obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

- Physical inactivity: People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

- High blood pressure: Having high blood pressure increases the risk of developing diabetes.

- High cholesterol: Having high cholesterol increases the risk of developing diabetes.

- Gestational diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy) are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

- Certain medications: Certain medications, such as steroids, can increase the risk of developing diabetes.