Risk factors & why me? (summary)

Insulin resistance can be due to several reasons. These are called risk factors.

Some risk factors we can change. Some we cannot change.

The list below shows common risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.

• Weight. Being overweight is a major risk for getting Type 2 diabetes.
• Inactivity. The less active you are, the greater your risk for getting Type 2 diabetes. Physical activity helps you to control your weight. Exercise allows cells to use up glucose as energy. It also makes your cells more sensitive to insulin.
• Family history. The risk of having Type 2 diabetes increases if your parent or sibling has Type 2 diabetes.
• Race and ethnicity. People of certain races and ethnicities are more likely to get Type 2 diabetes than white people are. This includes Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian people, and Pacific Islanders.
• Blood lipid levels. People with Type 2 diabetes often have high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
• Age. The risk of getting Type 2 diabetes increases more after reaching the age of 45 years old.
• Pregnancy-related risks. Your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases if you developed gestational diabetes when you were pregnant. It is also higher if you gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds (four kilograms).
• Stress. Stress does not cause diabetes, but it can affect your blood sugar levels. It can stop you looking after your condition properly.
• Medicine. Some medicines can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Things you cannot change:

• Your family history.
• Your ethnicity.
• Your age.
• If you are pregnant.

Things you can change:

• Your weight.
• How much you exercise.
• Your health profiles.
• Some medicines.
• Your stress levels.