Risk Factors for Diabetes

Many who develop diabetes have certain risk factors in common. Because many develop the disease without knowing it, those with high risk factors should be screened more often.

• A parent or sibling with diabetes.
• Obesity.
• An age over 45.
• Ethnic groups such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
• Becoming diabetic while pregnant or having a baby over 9 pounds.
• High blood pressure.
• High triglyceride levels.
• High cholesterol.