Do You Know Your Diabetes
Risk Factors?
There are many factors that increase your risk for diabetes. To find out about your risk, note each item on this list that applies to you.
• I am 45 years of age or older.
• I am above my recommended weight.
• I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
• My family background is African American, Hispanic/Latino, American
Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
• I have had diabetes while I was pregnant (gestational diabetes) or I gave
birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more.
• I have been told that my blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher
than normal.
• My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told that I have high
blood pressure.
• My cholesterol (lipid) levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol (“good”
cholesterol) is less than 35 or my triglyceride level is higher than 250.
• I am fairly inactive. I am physically active less than three times a week.
• I have been told that I have polycystic ovary syndrome (POS).
• The skin around my neck or in my armpits appears dirty no matter how
much I scrub it. The skin appears dark, thick and velvety. This is called
acanthosis nigricans.
• I have been told that I have blood vessel problems affecting my heart,
brain, or legs.
If you have any of the items above, be sure to talk with your health care team about your risk for diabetes and whether you should be tested.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Diabetes Education Program - www.ndep.nih.gov/am-i-at-risk/DiabetesRiskFactors.aspx
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