Publication Date: 2/10/1997
Age, sex, weight, physical activity, diet, lifestyle, and family health history all affect someone's chances of developing type 2 diabetes. The chances that someone will develop diabetes increase if the person's parents or siblings have the disease. Experts now know that diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians than whites. They believe this is the result of both heredity and environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle. The highest rate of diabetes in the world is in an Arizona community of American Indians called the Pimas. While the chances of developing diabetes increase with age, gender isn't a risk factor, although African American women are more likely to develop diabetes than African American men.
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/noninsulin-diabetes/who.htm
Last updated: 10 February 1997
While people can't change family history, age, or race, it is possible to control weight and physical fitness. A doctor can decide if someone is at risk for developing diabetes and offer advice on reducing that risk.
Points to Remember
The following factors increase someone's chances of developing diabetes:
- obesity
- family history of diabetes
- advancing age
Modified from the US government's Federal Citizen Information Center
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/noninsulin-diabetes/who.htm
Last updated: 10 February 1997
