Source: Mayo Clinic
Factors that may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes include the following:
- Excess weight. Overweight or obesity are major risk factors.
- Waist circumference. Storing fat in the abdomen rather than the hips and thighs increases the risk of diabetes. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases for males with a waist circumference over 40 inches (101.6 cm). For females, the risk increases if their waist circumference exceeds 35 inches (88.9 cm).
- Inactivity. The less active a person is, the greater their risk. Physical activity helps control weight, utilize glucose for energy, and helps body cells absorb insulin.
- Family history. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases if a parent or sibling has it.
- Race and ethnicity. The reason is unclear, but some races and ethnic groups are more prone to type 2 diabetes than Caucasians. These include Black people, Hispanic/Latino people, Native Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders.
- Blood fat levels. A high risk of diabetes is associated with low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol. It is also linked to high levels of a specific type of fat in the blood called triglycerides.
- Age. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 35 years old.
- Prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than the standard range, but not high enough to be called type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, it often progresses to type 2 diabetes.
- Pregnancy-related risks. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases for women who have had gestational diabetes. The percentage is higher for women who have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (4 kilograms).
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This condition leads to irregular menstrual cycles, increased hair growth, and obesity. It increases the chances of developing diabetes.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/ar/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
