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The risk factors for type 2 diabetes

By: John Richmond

Carrying too many additional pounds is a top risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the accepted measure for ascertaining body weight in relation to the general health for most individuals (pregnant women, athletes, body builders excluded) in the 20 to 65 age group. A BMI exceeding 27 typically means a risk for type 2 diabetes.

Having an apple-shaped figure (too much fat above the hips) generally signals a greater risk factor for type 2 diabetes than for individuals with a pear-shaped figure (too much fat in the thighs and hips). Males with a waist measurement of larger than 39.5 in. (100 cm), and females, larger than 37.5 in. (95 cm) are considered to be at greater risk.

Aging increases the risk for type 2 diabetes. Those over 45 years of age are at a higher risk and those over 65 are three times greater than people aged 35 to 64.

Sedentary lifestyle: Exercising regularly and keeping your weight under control reduces your chances for getting type 2 diabetes. Those who have the disease should see an improvement in blood sugar levels as well.

Family History: If you have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes you are at increased risk.

Nearly four out of every ten women who have diabetes during pregnancy will eventually develop type 2. This usually happens within 10 years of giving birth.

Those with impaired glucose tolerance, also called impaired fasting glucose have a risk factor for type 2 diabetes that can occur prior to the development of type 2 . While those affected are not considered to have diabetes, their blood sugar is considered to be abnormal placing them at higher risk for heart disease as well as type 2. Glucose tolerance progressively declines as we age, and there is a high rate of type 2 diabetes and post challenge hyperglycemia in the older population.

Those who have Asian, Latin American, African or Aboriginal ancestry are at a higher risk of having type 2 diabetes.

High Blood Pressure: This risk factor for type 2 diabetes is present in up to to 60 percent of people with undiagnosed diabetes.

High Cholesterol: Among those with diabetes more than 40 percent have abnormally high cholesterol levels.

Article Source: Free Articles - http://www.articlesworldonline.com

It's wise to know the type 2 diabetes risk factors and John Richmond, a writer for YourDiabetesInfo.com and diabetes researcher has other interesting articles there as well.

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