Diabetes is a serious health issue that affects millions in the U.S. It’s key to know the risk factors to prevent and manage it. In the U.S., about 97.6 million adults aged 18-64 and 27.2 million adults aged 65 or older have prediabetes1. Many people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes don’t know they have it.
Key Takeaways
- Prediabetes affects a large number of adults in the U.S.
- Many people with diabetes are unaware they have the condition.
- Some risk factors, such as family history and age, cannot be changed.
- Lifestyle factors like weight, physical activity, and diet can impact diabetes risk.
- Addressing modifiable risk factors can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder that affects how the body regulates blood sugar levels. There are several distinct types of diabetes, each with its own causes, risk factors, and management strategies. The two most common forms are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes2.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction. This means the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas2. It often develops during childhood or adolescence and has risk factors like family history3.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, making up about 95% of diabetes cases4. It is heavily influenced by lifestyle factors like being inactive, obese, and genetic predisposition2. Certain groups, such as African Americans and Native Hawaiians, are more likely to get it2.
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes have similar risk factors. These include being overweight, over 45, having a family history, being inactive, and being part of certain racial or ethnic groups23.
Gestational diabetes can happen during pregnancy, often due to hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle. Women with a family history of diabetes are at higher risk24.
Other types of diabetes include monogenic diabetes and diabetes caused by certain medical conditions or medications2.
Knowing about the different types of diabetes and their risk factors helps people manage their health better. It can also help reduce the risk of getting this chronic condition.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
Some risk factors for type 2 diabetes can’t be changed. These include family history, race or ethnic background, age, and a history of gestational diabetes.
Family History
If a close family member, like a parent or sibling, has type 2 diabetes, your risk goes up. Research shows a 40% higher risk if one parent has it, and 70% if both do5.
Race or Ethnic Background
Some races and ethnic groups face a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. People of South Asian descent are up to 6 times more likely, and those of African and African-Caribbean descent are up to three times more likely5.
Age
Getting older increases your risk of type 2 diabetes. About 25% of adults over 65 live with T2DM, while only 0.2% of kids under 19 do5.
Gestational Diabetes History
Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to get type 2 diabetes later. It shows the body may struggle to manage blood sugar levels.
Knowing these risk factors can help those at higher risk watch their health closely. It can lead to steps to lower the chance of getting type 2 diabetes5.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
Some risk factors for type 2 diabetes, like family history and age, can’t be changed. But, there are many you can change with lifestyle changes6. These include being overweight or obese, not being active enough, having high blood pressure, and smoking.
Keeping a healthy weight is key to avoiding type 2 diabetes7. About 6 out of 10 people with pre-diabetes can stop it from happening by losing 5-10% of their weight7. For Caucasians, women should keep their waist under 80 cm, and men under 94 cm to lower their diabetes risk7.
Being active is also crucial in preventing type 2 diabetes7. Adults should try to be active every day, doing at least 30 minutes of moderate activity7. This keeps a healthy weight, lowers blood pressure, cuts down heart disease risk, and reduces stress.
High blood pressure is another risk factor you can change6. By eating well and exercising regularly, you can lower your diabetes risk.
Quitting smoking is also key to lowering type 2 diabetes risk6. Smoking is a habit that, when changed, brings big health benefits and lowers disease risk.
By changing these risk factors through lifestyle, you can greatly lower your chance of getting type 2 diabetes8. Having all five risk factors under control can make your risk of diabetes over 90% lower8. Even if you’re overweight or have a high genetic risk, adding more healthy habits can still lower your diabetes risk8.
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“Modifying behavioural risk factors can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes prematurely and lead to significant health benefits.”6
Weight and Obesity
Being overweight or obese is a big risk for getting type 2 diabetes. This is mainly because of two things: body mass index (BMI) and waist size9.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI tells us how much body fat someone has based on their height and weight. If your BMI is 25 or higher, you’re overweight. If it’s 30 or higher, you’re obese9. For men over 18, the risk of getting diabetes goes from 7% to 70% if BMI goes from under 18.5 to over 35. For women, this risk jumps from 12% to 74% with the same BMI changes9.
Waist Circumference
Waist size is also key in diabetes risk. If your waist is over 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women, you’re at higher risk9. Carrying extra weight around your middle, or central obesity, is especially bad and raises the risk of chronic health issues.
Keeping a healthy weight can lower your chance of getting type 2 diabetes. This can be done by losing some weight and moving more910. Bariatric surgery can also be very effective, cutting the risk of type 2 diabetes by 5 times over 7 years9.
For people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, losing at least 5% of your body weight can help control your blood sugar and might even stop the diabetes9. The Look AHEAD trial showed that over half of the participants lost more than 5% of their weight, and 27% lost over 10% at 8 years9.
For people of Asian descent, the BMI levels for being overweight or obese are lower because they tend to have more body fat and a higher diabetes risk at a lower BMI9.
In short, keeping a healthy BMI and waist size is key to preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. Losing weight through lifestyle changes or medical help can greatly lower your risk of getting this condition91011.
Physical Inactivity
Being inactive is a big risk for getting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes12. Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise and muscle-strengthening activities each week can lower your risk12.
A sedentary life is bad for your heart and is linked to type 2 diabetes12. Not moving much makes diabetes harder to manage12. But, exercise can help by making your body better at using insulin and managing fat, which helps prevent diabetes12.
A study with 5,829 adults showed that walking briskly lowered diabetes risk13. Those who exercised more had a lower risk13. But, sitting too much or watching a lot of TV raised the risk13.
Exercise is good for more than just diabetes prevention. Even older people who are recovering from illness or surgery benefit from moving more. Taking just 650 steps a day can increase diabetes risk14. The ORANGE project in Chennai, India, is testing a program to prevent diabetes and obesity through nutrition and exercise12.
In short, not moving enough is a big risk for type 2 diabetes. But, staying active can help prevent and manage it. Adding moderate exercise and strength training to your routine can lower your diabetes risk12.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition. It can increase the risk of getting diabetes15. The CDC says about 47% of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure or take medicine for it15. The ADA notes that 2 in 3 people with diabetes have high blood pressure or take medicine for it15.
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High blood pressure and diabetes are linked by common risk factors15. A 2018 study found that high blood pressure increases diabetes risk through inflammation and stress15. Both conditions are linked to being overweight, not active, eating poorly, and smoking15.
Keeping blood pressure in check is key for diabetics or those at risk15. The ADA suggests a blood pressure goal of less than 130/80 mm Hg to lower heart disease risk15. To manage both conditions, focus on a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet15.
The link between high blood pressure and diabetes goes both ways16. Diabetes doubles the chance of getting high blood pressure, and having both increases heart disease risk by four times16. About two-thirds of adults with diabetes have high blood pressure or take hypertension medicine16.
In summary, keeping blood pressure healthy is vital for diabetics or those at risk. By making lifestyle changes and seeking medical help, you can lower diabetes and complication risks151716.
Smoking
Smoking is a risk factor you can change that raises your chance of getting type 2 diabetes. Smokers are 30 to 40 percent more likely to get type 2 diabetes than those who don’t smoke18. Also, smoking kills about 9,000 people in the U.S. each year because of diabetes18. In 2019, diabetes was the main cause of death for over 87,000 people in the U.S18..
Smoking makes it harder to manage diabetes if you already have it. People with diabetes who smoke might need more insulin because of nicotine in cigarettes18. Smoking also raises the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney damage, vision loss, poor circulation, and nerve damage in people with diabetes18.
But there’s good news: quitting smoking can help manage diabetes and improve health. Just eight weeks after quitting, insulin works better at controlling blood sugar levels1819. This shows how important it is to stop smoking for people with or at risk of diabetes.
Smoking is the top cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., killing more people each year than many other causes combined19. It’s vital to understand the link between smoking and diabetes to improve public health and lessen the impact of this condition.
Many studies have found a strong link between smoking and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. A review in JAMA in 2007 showed smoking’s link to type 2 diabetes20. Other research has linked smoking, alcohol use, and diabetes in men20. It also found a link between smoking, physical activity, and diabetes in Chinese men20.
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The facts are clear: stopping smoking can greatly help prevent and manage diabetes. By changing this risk factor, people can lower their chance of getting diabetes and improve their health and well-being181920.
risk factors for developing diabetes
Getting diabetes, whether it’s type 1 or type 2, depends on many things you can and can’t change. Knowing what these factors are helps us spot people at high risk. This way, we can take steps to stay healthy.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
Some things that raise your risk of diabetes you can’t change, like your family history, age, and where you come from21. If someone close to you has diabetes, you’re more likely to get it too22. Also, getting older, especially after 35, ups your chance of getting type 2 diabetes22. People from certain groups like African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans face a higher risk2122.
Modifiable Risk Factors
There are things you can change to lower your diabetes risk. Being overweight or obese is a big risk because it can make your body resistant to insulin2122. Not moving much and not exercising also raises your risk2122.
Other things you can change include high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, and low HDL cholesterol2122. Smoking, having PCOS, or a history of gestational diabetes can also increase your risk22.
By making healthy changes, like keeping a healthy weight, staying active, and managing health issues, you can lower your diabetes risk2122.
The risk factors for diabetes differ by type. For instance, type 1 diabetes often runs in families, while type 2 diabetes is more linked to lifestyle23. Knowing these factors helps you take steps to keep healthy and avoid diabetes.
Prediabetes Risk Factors
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for type 2 diabetes24. About 96 million Americans, or one in three adults, have prediabetes, says the CDC25. Sadly, over 80% of those with prediabetes don’t know they have it because they haven’t been tested25.
Being overweight or obese, not active, and having a family history of diabetes are common risk factors26. People who are overweight face a higher risk of insulin resistance26. Other risks include a family history of diabetes, being over 45, and being African, Latino, or Native American26.
Other conditions linked to insulin resistance include sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and PCOS26. Signs of insulin resistance include a waist over 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women, skin tags, and high blood pressure26.
24 A BMI over 25 increases the risk of prediabetes24. The risk goes up after 45 and even more after 6524. Having a family history of diabetes also raises the risk24.
24 Not moving much, having gestational diabetes, or having PCOS can raise diabetes risk24. African Americans and some Asian Americans are more likely to get prediabetes24.
24 Losing 5% to 7% of body weight and exercising 30 minutes a day can help prevent diabetes2425. Most people with prediabetes will get type 2 diabetes within 10 years25.
25 Losing weight and exercising can cut the risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 60%25. Insulin resistance is a key factor in prediabetes and diabetes, leading to high blood sugar levels25.
Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. It’s important for pregnant women to know the risk factors. This knowledge helps them manage their health and avoid complications27.
Having had gestational diabetes before increases the risk of getting it again27. Also, if a baby was over 9 pounds at birth, the risk goes up27.
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Being overweight or obese is a big risk factor2728. This is because extra weight can make it hard for the body to use insulin right. This can lead to insulin resistance and gestational diabetes.
Family history matters too. Women with a family history of type 2 diabetes are more likely to get gestational diabetes2728.
Some races and ethnic groups face a higher risk2729. This includes African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are also at a higher risk2728.
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born. But, it can raise the chance of getting type 2 diabetes later27. Regular check-ups are key for women with a history of gestational diabetes to prevent future health problems.
| Risk Factor | Increased Risk |
|---|---|
| Previous Gestational Diabetes | Higher risk of developing it again27 |
| Baby Weighing Over 9 Pounds | Higher risk of gestational diabetes27 |
| Overweight or Obesity | Increased risk of gestational diabetes2728 |
| Family History of Type 2 Diabetes | Higher risk of gestational diabetes2728 |
| Certain Racial/Ethnic Backgrounds | Increased risk of gestational diabetes2729 |
| Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Higher risk of gestational diabetes2728 |
Knowing these risk factors helps pregnant women take steps to stay healthy. They can work with their doctors to manage their health. This can lower the chance of getting gestational diabetes.
Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
Some diabetes risk factors can’t be changed, like family history and age. But, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes303132. These steps include keeping a healthy weight, staying active, controlling blood pressure, and quitting smoking. Small, gradual changes in your life can make a big difference in lowering your diabetes risk and improving your health.
To start, try to lose about 7% of your body weight through healthy eating and regular exercise30. Losing this amount of weight can cut your risk of diabetes by nearly 60%30. The American Diabetes Association suggests losing 7% to 10% of your body weight to stop disease progression30.
For exercise, do at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise each week, like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming3032. Add 2 to 3 sessions of resistance exercise, such as weightlifting or yoga, to build strength and stay active30.
What you eat is also important for reducing your diabetes risk. Eat more fiber-rich foods, like fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains, to slow sugar absorption and help manage blood pressure30. Choose unsaturated fats from sources like olive oils, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish for healthy cholesterol and heart health30. Cut down on saturated fats, found in dairy and meats30.
Don’t follow fad diets for quick weight loss, as they might not be good for you in the long run or for preventing diabetes30. Stick with sustainable dietary habits that you can keep up over time. A good way to eat healthy is to have half your plate for fruits and veggies, one-quarter for whole grains, and one-quarter for protein-rich foods like legumes, fish, or lean meats30.
Remember, making lifestyle changes is key to lowering your diabetes risk. By slowly and steadily changing your diet, exercise, and lifestyle, you can significantly lower your chances of getting this chronic condition303132.
“About 9 in 10 cases of type 2 diabetes in the U.S. can be avoided by making lifestyle changes.”32
Conclusion
Knowing and dealing with diabetes risk factors is key to keeping you healthy33. By understanding what puts you at risk and making changes, you can lower your chance of getting diabetes. This helps you stay well for the long run3435.
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By knowing what causes diabetes, you can make smart choices for your health3435. Staying at a healthy weight, being active, and eating right can help prevent diabetes34.
Checking your health markers like blood pressure and sugar levels is important too. This can catch diabetes early, so you can get help and manage it3334. By being proactive, you can live a healthier life and help your community too35.
FAQ
What are the risk factors for developing diabetes?
Diabetes can come from both things you can’t change and things you can. Non-changeable risks include family history and age. Changeable risks include weight, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and smoking.
What are the different types of diabetes?
There are several types of diabetes. The main ones are type 1, type 2, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes.
What are the non-modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes?
You can’t change some risks for type 2 diabetes. These include family history, race, age, and having had gestational diabetes before.
What are the modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes?
You can change some risks for type 2 diabetes. These include being overweight, not exercising enough, having high blood pressure, and smoking.
How does body weight and obesity affect the risk of developing diabetes?
Being overweight or obese is a big risk for type 2 diabetes. This is shown by your BMI and waist size. A BMI over 25 or a waist over 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women means you’re at higher risk.
How does physical inactivity affect the risk of developing diabetes?
Not moving enough is a big risk for diabetes. But, you can change this. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise and muscle-strengthening activities each week to lower your risk.
How does high blood pressure affect the risk of developing diabetes?
High blood pressure without treatment can lead to diabetes complications. Keeping your blood pressure under 130/80 mm Hg can lower your risk of heart disease.
How does smoking affect the risk of developing diabetes?
Smoking increases your risk of type 2 diabetes. Quitting can lower your risk and improve your health.
What are the risk factors for prediabetes?
Prediabetes risks are similar to those for type 2 diabetes. These include being overweight, not active, and having a family history of diabetes.
What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?
Women at risk for gestational diabetes include those with a history of it, giving birth to a heavy baby, being overweight, over 25, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
How can I reduce my risk of developing diabetes?
Some risks you can’t change, like family history and age. But, you can lower your risk with healthy choices. Keep a healthy weight, exercise, control your blood pressure, and quit smoking. Small changes can make a big difference in your health.
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