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Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance for type 2 diabetes include:
- Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Being obese or overweight (especially excess weight in the upper body and abdomen)
- Having cholesterol problems (low HDL "good" cholesterol and high triglycerides)
- Having high blood pressure
- Having a history of cardiovascular disease
- Having a history of gestational diabetes or having a baby that weighs over nine pounds
- Having an endocrine disorder ( Cushing’s syndrome , hyperthyroidism , acromegaly , polycystic ovary syndrome , pheochromocytoma, glucagonoma)
- Having a condition associated with insulin resistance (eg, acanthosis nigricans)
- Having previous blood test results that show impaired glucose tolerance, and impaired fasting glucose
- Taking certain medicines (eg, pentamidine , nicotinic acid, glucocorticoids, thiazide)
- Having a sedentary lifestyle
- Having sleep difficulties
- Having a low birth weight
- Gender: more common in older women than men
- Race: African American, Hispanic, Native American, Hispanic American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
- Age: 45 years or older and younger people who are obese and belong to at risk ethnic groups
A study has reported that having a high intake of certain foods can also put you at risk. This includes food such as red meat, low-fiber bread, eggs, and cheese.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.