Understanding Your Risks

Who is at risk for diabetes?

As of 2007 there were over 23 million adults and children in the United States with diabetes – and nearly one-third of them (or 5.7 million people) didn't even know they had it.1

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include2:

  • Age of 45 years or older
  • Overweight (BMI 25-29.9) or obese (BMI≥30) (to find out your body mass index (BMI), use the BMI calculator located in the Health Screeners link to the left)
  • Family history of diabetes (immediate family member)
  • Race/ethnicity other than white, such as African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
  • Had diabetes during a pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
  • Gave birth to a large baby (more than nine pounds)
  • Physical inactivity
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglyceride levels
  • Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Diagnosed with pre-diabetes
  • Have had heart problems

For questions about your risk for diabetes, contact your doctor or other healthcare professional.

Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher and one or more additional risk factors should be tested for diabetes.2

References

  1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet: general information and national estimates on diabetes in the United States, 2007. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008.
  2. American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2008;31(suppl 1):S12-S54.