Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes constitute 90% of all cases of diabetes. Most people do not have any symptoms when they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. As people do not have any symptoms, it is estimated that most people may have type 2 diabetes for atleast 5 to 10 years prior to the diagnosis. Therefore it is very important to know the risk factors. This will help a person to understand the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and act to prevent it. [1]
Age and ethnicity
The older a person, higher the risk. The risk is 2 to 4 times more higher in South Asian, Black African and African-Caribbean than whites. For South Asian, Black African and African-Caribbean, risk is higher after 25 year of age. Whereas, for Whites, risk is higher after 40 year of age. [2]
Family history
Risk of developing type 2 diabetes is 2 to 6 times more higher if parent or siblings have type 2 diabetes. [3]
Weight
Weight is an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. If a person is overweight or obese risk is higher. [4]
Lifestyle
Sedentary life style and lack of exercise is linked with type 2 diabetes.
Food
Eating processed and high fat food like take-aways results in increased weight.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure is associated with type 2 diabetes. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
It is important to know your risk. Age, ethnicity and family history cannot be changed. However, we can always put our effort to change our diet, lifestyle and weight.
References and Further Reading
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Diabetes Risk Factors.
- American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Genetics of Diabetes.
- Yashi, K., et al. (2023). Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
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