Diabetes Prevention: Four Changes Can Cut Your Risk in Half The
odds of developing type 2 diabetes are determined partly by
genes and partly by lifestyle. Making some simple healthy
choices now may help prevent the disease, even if you already
have prediabetes. Are You At Risk? The following are risk
factors for type 2 diabetes. The more of these that apply to
you, the more likely that you are at risk for diabetes. - Age 45
or older - Overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9) or obese (BMI of 30 or
higher) - Parent, brother or sister with diabetes - Alaska
Native, American Indian, African-American, Hispanic/Latino,
Asian-American or Pacific Islander heritage - Female with a
history of gestational diabetes or had a baby heavier than 9
pounds at birth - High blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher) -
HDL cholesterol lower than 35 mg/dl or triglycerides higher than
250 mg/dl - Exercise fewer than three times a week - Polycystic
ovary syndrome - History of heart or blood vessel disease -
Prediabetes (blood glucose levels tha