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.
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.
Family history
Risk of developing type 2 diabetes is 2 to 6 times more higher if parent or siblings have type 2 diabetes.
Weight
Weight is an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. If a person is overweight or obese risk is higher.
Lifestyle
Sedentary life style and lack of exercise is linked with type 2 diabetes.
Food
Processed and high fat food.
Eating processed and high fat food like take-aways results in increased weight.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure linked with type 2 diabetes.
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.
English 
Urdu