Roughly 90% of individuals diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Symptoms may not present themselves clearly, or there may even be an absence of symptoms. Some individuals may unknowingly live with type 2 diabetes for up to a decade before receiving a diagnosis, making it important to understand the risk factors associated with diabetes.
To assess your risk level, use our Know Your Risk tool or consider undergoing a complimentary NHS Health Check to take necessary preventative actions.
The likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, particularly for individuals over 40 if they are White, or over 25 if they are of African-Caribbean, Black African, Chinese, or South Asian descent. Additionally, having a family member with diabetes can elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially for those of South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Black African descent.
Other risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and having a history of gestational diabetes. It’s important to be aware of these risk factors and make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Know Your Risk
Quickly evaluate your risk of developing type 2 diabetes to implement appropriate preventive measures. Before using the risk assessment tool, ensure you have your waist size, height, and weight measurements ready.
Diabetes information in other languages
Access diabetes information in various languages to cater to non-English speakers.
Family history
Having a family history of type 2 diabetes can significantly increase an individual’s risk of developing the condition. It is important to be aware of your family history and take proactive steps to reduce your risk through lifestyle changes and regular medical check-ups.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent the development of the condition.
Age
Age is a non-modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes, with the risk increasing as individuals get older. It is important for older adults to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly and make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their risk.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes and can increase the risk of complications. Managing blood pressure through medication, diet, and exercise is essential in reducing the overall risk of developing diabetes.
Unhealthy diet
A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. It is important to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to support overall health and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Stress
Chronic stress can impact insulin sensitivity and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and exercise can help lower the risk of diabetes.
Are you eligible for an NHS Health Check?
Individuals over the age of 40 face a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In England, individuals aged 40 to 74 are eligible for a free NHS Health Check to assess overall health and receive personalized advice.
Type 1 diabetes is commonly linked to autoimmune responses. Risk factors include family history and age, with White individuals in the US having a higher risk compared to other ethnicities.
It is important to note that obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet are also significant risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and weight management can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes often overlap. The presence of prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly for individuals with certain risk factors.
Some common risk factors for both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
- Family history of diabetes
- Age (risk increases with age)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
It’s important for individuals with prediabetes to manage their condition through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and weight management to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is also essential to track progress and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.
Gestational diabetes
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include a history of gestational diabetes, obesity, advanced age, family history of type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and specific ethnic backgrounds.
Reduce your risk
Reduce your risk of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Incorporating more physical activity, following a balanced diet, and managing weight can help lower the risk.
Even small adjustments can reduce the risk of diabetes and enhance overall health. The National Diabetes Prevention Program offers support in reversing prediabetes. Diabetes, affecting blood glucose levels, remains prevalent amongst adults, with many individuals not receiving proper medication. Mortality rates due to diabetes have been on the rise, but preventive measures have proven to be effective. Symptoms of diabetes can range from mild to severe and may include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue. Complications include damage to blood vessels and an increased risk of heart attacks and kidney failure. Type 1 diabetes necessitates insulin injections and affects approximately 9 million individuals. Type 2 diabetes disrupts sugar utilization and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Lifestyle modifications can aid in preventing type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and poses risks to both the mother and child. Impaired glucose tolerance can progress to type 2 diabetes. The WHO provides guidance on diabetes prevention and care, while risk factors for type 2 diabetes encompass genetics, age, race, lifestyle, and medical history. The likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes rises with age, obesity, family history, race, sedentary behavior, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. Weight loss and physical activity are effective strategies in preventing type 2 diabetes among individuals who are overweight or obese.
To determine if your weight places you at risk for type 2 diabetes, assess your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.
Body mass index
Your BMI provides insight into whether you are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
Most adults with a BMI of 25 or higher are considered overweight and are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Asian Americans are categorized as overweight with a BMI of 23 or higher, while Pacific Islanders fall under this category with a BMI of 26 or higher.
If you are 20 years or older, utilize the adult BMI calculator to determine your BMI.
For children and teenagers between 2 and 19 years of age, a separate BMI calculator is available, which considers BMI, sex, and age to estimate overweight or obesity in the youth population.
Waist circumference
Another method to evaluate your risk of developing diabetes is by measuring your waist circumference. Men with a waist circumference exceeding 40 inches, and non-pregnant women with a waist circumference over 35 inches, are at a higher risk.
Waist circumference indirectly reflects levels of abdominal fat. A large waist circumference poses a risk factor for both diabetes and heart disease, regardless of BMI.
References
[1] American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Standards of medical care in diabetes—2022. Diabetes Care. 2022;45(suppl 1):S17–S38. doi:10.2337/dc22-S002
[2] Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, et al. Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;346(6):393–403. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa012512
[3] NHLBI Obesity Education Initiative Expert Panel on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Obesity in Adults (US). Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: The Evidence Report. National Institutes of Health; 1998. NIH publication 98-4083. Accessed July 11, 2022. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2003
[4] Swinburn BA, Ley SJ, Carmichael HE, Plank LD. Body size and composition in Polynesians. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders. 1999;23(11):1178–1183. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0801053
[5] Jowitt LM. Ethnicity and type 2 diabetes in Pacific Island adults in New Zealand. International Journal of Diabetes and Clinical Research. 2014;1:014. doi:10.23937/2377-3634/1410014. Accessed July 11, 2022. https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/ijdcr/ijdcr-1-014.pdf (PDF, 372 KB)
[6] Klein S, Allison DB, Heymsfield SB, et al. Waist circumference and cardiometabolic risk: a consensus statement from Shaping America’s Health: Association for Weight Management and Obesity Prevention; NAASO, the Obesity Society; the American Society for Nutrition; and the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(6):1647–1652. doi:10.2337/dc07-9921
[7] Cerhan JR, Moore SC, Jacobs EJ, et al. A pooled analysis of waist circumference and mortality in 650,000 adults. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2014;89(3):335–345. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.11.011
This information is a service provided by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK shares research findings to enhance knowledge about health and disease among patients, healthcare professionals, and the public. Content from NIDDK undergoes rigorous review by NIDDK experts and scientists.