Diabetes Risk Factors

The exact underlying cause of diabetes remains a mystery, though the question is the subject of extensive scientific study. What researchers do know is that both genetics (family history) and environment (such as excess weight and inactivity) appear to play significant roles.

The diabetes risk factors

The typical profile for a person with type 2 diabetes looks like this:

Age 45 or older

Overweight

Sedentary

Has a family history of the disease

People with these additional conditions are also at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes:

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High cholesterol

Heart disease

Type 2 diabetes occurs more frequently in certain ethnic groups:

African Americans

Latin Americans

Asian and Pacific Island Americans

Native Americans

Diabetes Risk Factors originally appeared on Caring.com.

Caring.com was created to help you care for your aging parents, grandparents, and other loved ones. As the leading destination for eldercare resources on the Internet, our mission is to give you the information and services you need to make better decisions, save time, and feel more supported. Caring.com provides the practical information, personal support, expert advice, and easy-to-use tools you need during this challenging time.

Read more: Conditions, Diabetes, Health, causes, diabetes, risk factors

By Sarah Henry, Caring.com senior editor

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

12:43AM PDT on Apr 2, 2012

Thank you for the article

send a green star

Heidi A.

8:27PM PDT on Mar 31, 2012

My mom has diabetes II and none of the factors(overweight,ethnic group, heart disease, high blood pressure). Definitely genetic. I monitor my blood sugar regularly because of this.

Sue M.

4:44PM PST on Feb 4, 2012

thanks

Tim C.

12:30PM PDT on Oct 2, 2011

colleen p.

7:47AM PDT on Aug 7, 2011

people on the site say eating meat cause it. and there are few to no vegans with diabetes at all.

is this true?

Michele W.

11:40AM PDT on Jul 4, 2011

Thank you

Brenda T.

8:55AM PDT on Jun 11, 2011

Thanks for sharing.

Robert O.

12:53AM PDT on Jun 11, 2011

Thanks. Unfortunately it runs rampant in my family so I know firsthand the dangers and warning signs.

Paula G.

10:24PM PST on Jan 18, 2011

Note that all of the causes except for genetics can be controlled for type II. Extremely obese people have lost grand amounts of weight and diabetes went away.