Who Is More Likely to Be Affected by Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. There are two forms of the disease: juvenile diabetes (type 1 diabetes) and adult-onset diabetes (type 2 diabetes). Although there is no cure for either form of diabetes, certain lifestyle habits can place a person at greater risk for an adult-onset diabetes diagnosis.

Diet

• Since diabetes results from the body's inability to correctly process sugar in the blood, people with poor or unbalanced diets are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Diets high in fat, low in fiber, and with excess simple carbohydrates contribute to the risk.

Age

• Adults over age 45 years old are at a greater risk for adult-onset diabetes. As the body ages, so do its organs--including the pancreas, which pumps insulin to break down sugars.

Weight

• Overweight children and adults are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially if they are not involved in a regular exercise routine. Obesity is the number one risk factor for a diagnosis of diabetes. Increased body fat interferes with the body's ability to use insulin.

Family History

• People with a family history of diabetes are more likely to contract type 2 diabetes because of genetic makeup that is more prone to the disease.

High Cholesterol/High Blood Pressure

• High cholesterol and high blood pressure result in many diseases and medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes. In addition to heart damage, these factors result in metabolic syndrome, leading to symptoms that increase diabetes risk.

Other Factors

• Women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes while pregnant have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

  Although not technically a factor of risk, diabetes is found to be more common people of African American, Native American, Asian American, Hispanic and Pacific Islander decent.