PrediabetesWhat Increases Your RiskThe risk factors for
prediabetes are similar to the risk factors for
type 2 diabetes. Most people who get type 2 diabetes
had prediabetes first. Risk factors that you cannot control include: - Family history. If you have a parent, brother, or sister who has
type 2 diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing the disease.
- Age. The risk for getting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
increases with age. And the number of children being diagnosed with type 2
diabetes is increasing. Usually, children who get type 2 diabetes have a family
history of the disease, are overweight, and are physically inactive.3
- Race and ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanics, Native
Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk for type 2
diabetes than whites.4
- History of
gestational diabetes or having a baby weighing more
than 9 lb (4 kg). Women who have had gestational diabetes or who have had a
large baby are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in
life.4
- Low birth weight. People who weighed less than 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) at
birth are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.5
There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of
getting prediabetes and diabetes: - Lose weight. Your risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
increases as your weight (or body mass index, BMI) increases. Your risk also
increases if most of your
body fat is in your belly area
. Reaching and staying at a healthy body weight can
reduce your risk. - Get more exercise. The less you exercise, the greater your risk
of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.6 Try to
do
moderate activity at least 2½ hours a week. Or try to
do
vigorous activity at least 1¼ hours a week. It's fine
to be active in blocks of 10 minutes or more throughout your day and
week.7 For more information, see the topic
Fitness.
- Eat foods that are good for you. Eating a lot of sugary foods,
red meat, soft drinks, and fast food can increase your risk of getting
prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Eating whole grains, nuts, and vegetables can
decrease your risk.8
- Get treatment if you have
prediabetes. If your fasting blood sugar levels are in
the range from 100
mg/dL to 125 mg/dL, you are at increased risk for
developing type 2 diabetes.9
- Quit smoking. This change may reduce your chance of
developing complications from diabetes.
Other conditions that put you at risk for prediabetes and
type 2 diabetes—and that are also linked with
obesity and a lack of physical
activity—include: If you have prediabetes, you are more likely to get
cardiovascular disease than someone with normal blood glucose levels.2 By lowering your cholesterol to the
recommended levels, not smoking, and keeping your
blood pressure under 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), you may reduce your
risk of heart and large blood vessel disease. If you are concerned
about diabetes, you can take
a test to determine your risk of getting the disease. If you are at risk, you can
discuss with your doctor how to make healthy changes in your life. If you want,
your doctor can refer you to health professionals who are trained to help you
make your own easy-to-follow plan for eating and exercising. No matter how and
when you start, it is important to remember that even small changes can lower
your chances of getting diabetes.
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| | Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: August 12, 2008 | | Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Jennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism | © 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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