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Diabetes Type 2 Causes & Risks

Causes

Two conditions contribute to hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes:

  • Insulin resistance related to excess body fat
  • Body's failure to make an adequate amount of insulin

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.

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