Risk Factors

• 45 years of age or older
• Overweight or obese
• Family background
• Parent or sibling with diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal cholesterol levels
• Inactivity (exercise fewer than 3 times per week)

Nothing can be done about some risk factors-age or family background, for example. But others can be minimized by altering the diet, losing weight, or increasing exercise. Talk with your doctor about ways you can decrease your risk for diabetes.