Risk factors for diabetes

There are a number of things that can increase your risk of having pre-diabetes or diabetes. Some of the most common risk factors are listed below:

•  Age over 45 years
• Race or ethnic background
• Being overweight (especially around the waist)
• Low physical activity level
• High blood pressure
• Family history of diabetes
• History of diabetes during pregnancy

Symptoms of diabetes

Some symptoms of diabetes include:

• Urinating often
• Being very thirsty
• Being very hungry
• Being more tired than usual
• Being irritable
• Losing weight
• Experiencing blurry vision

If you have any of these symptoms, discuss your risk for diabetes at your next doctor visit.

Problems related to diabetes

Diabetes can lead to other serious health problems such as:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney problems
• Foot problems (for example: tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness in your feet and hands)
• Depression
• Eye problems and blindness

*Source: American Diabetes Association, "Are you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes?"