The risk factors for T2D are a bit different than for those of other forms of diabetes. These known risk factors are largely related to lifestyle factors (eg. Diet and physical activity) but also have genetic (family) and environmental components. These known risk factors are:
- A family history of diabetes. Diabetes is a polygenic disorder meaning that a number of genes can have an effect on your risk of diabetes. If, however, you have a family member (such as a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle) with diabetes, your risk in increased
- Being overweight, particularly if most of the excess fat is carried in the abdominal area. In general, if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 25, this is considered overweight and at risk.
- Poor eating habits (which can be directly related to weight issues). This appears mainly to be related to eating processed foods with high amounts of added sugar
- Lack of physical activity or exercise (also related to weight issues)
- Age—the older you get, the greater the risk. The risk increases after the age of 45
- Ethnic background: In North America, the risk for T2D increases for those of African, Asian, Native and Pacific-Islander background. Newly emigrated individuals from those areas have an increased risk, IF they adapt a western-style diet. In general, people in non-westernized countries increase their risk of T2D as their diet and lifestyles become more “westernized”.
- Other medical conditions. This includes Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood triglycerides (blood lipid or blood fats). In addition, if you have impaired glucose tolerance or prediabetes, you are at a higher risk for T2D.
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