It is not clear what all the exact risk factors are for type 1 diabetes, although it is known that if other people in your family have type 1 diabetes, you are at higher risk for it. Certain ethnic groups (e.g., people of Northern European or Mediterranean descent and others living far from the equator) are at higher risk of developing type 1 diabetes. People are most often diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before they turn 30 years old, usually during childhood or adolescence. At this time, type 1 diabetes is not preventable.
You are at risk for diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes) if you:
- previously had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby that weighed over 9 lbs (4 kg) at birth
- are of Native American, Hispanic/Latino, South Asian, East Asian, Pacific Island, or African descent
- are 35 years of age or older
- are obese
- have a history of polycystic ovary syndrome
- have acanthosis nigricans (a skin disorder that causes darkened patches of skin)
- use corticosteroid medications
You are at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:
- are 45 years of age or older
- have a relative (parent or sibling) with diabetes
- are of Pacific Island, or African descent
- have given birth to a baby that weighed over 9 lbs (4 kg) at birth
- had diabetes during pregnancy
- have been diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose (higher-than-normal blood glucose levels, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes)
- do not exercise regularly
- have cardiovascular disease (disease of heart or blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease)
- have high blood pressure
- have high blood cholesterol or other fats
- are overweight
- have specific medical conditions:
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- acanthosis nigricans
Although you can't do much about risk factors for type 1 diabetes, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Making lifestyle changes (such as eating healthier, managing your weight, and getting regular exercise) can help delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. If you are at risk, see your doctor.
The earlier you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the sooner you can start treating and managing it to reduce your risk of diabetes complications (e.g., heart disease, kidney disease, eye damage, nerve damage, and erectile dysfunction).