Diabetes: Prevention - Slide 11

Risk Factors for Diabetes

• Age 45 and older
• Overweight (BMI ≥ 25)
• Hypertension
• Abnormal lipid levels
• Family history of diabetes
• Race/ethnicity
• History of gestational diabetes
• History of vascular disease
• Signs of insulin resistance
  (such as PCOS or acanthosis nigricans)
• IGT or IFG on previous test
• Inactive lifestyle

American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care 2008; 31;(Suppl.1):S12-54.

Note:

Many factors make a person at higher risk for diabetes.

• The risk for type 2 diabetes increases with age.
• People who are overweight—defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 (≥ 23 if Asian American or ≥ 26 if Pacific Islander)—are also at an increased risk for diabetes.
• A blood pressure measurement of > or = 140/90 mm/Hg.
• Abnormal lipid levels – HDL cholesterol < 35mg/dL; triglyceride level ≥ 250 mg/dL.
• A family history of diabetes – first degree relative with diabetes.
• Race/ethnicity – African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for pre-diabetes and diabetes.
• A history of gestational diabetes OR giving birth to baby greater than 9 lbs.
• A history of vascular disease.
• Signs of insulin resistance such as acanthosis nigricans and PCOS.
• Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Impaired Fasting Glucose on previous testing.
• An inactive lifestyle – being physically active less than 3 times a week.

Reference

American Diabetes Association: Clinical Practice Recommendations-Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2008; 31 (Suppl. 1):S12-54.

Revised September 2008