While many people are becoming aware of the prevalence of diabetes in the United States, many people still do not know the diabetes risk factors that put them at risk of developing the disease. If you are concerned about diabetes and looking to understand how high your risk of developing the condition is, the next few paragraphs are designed to help you understand more.

One of the biggest diabetes risk factors in developing diabetes is body weight. Obesity is the single largest predictor in the development of diabetes. If you are significantly overweight, taking steps to reduce your body weight by even five to ten percent can greatly lower your risk of diabetes and pre-diabetes.

A diagnosis of pre-diabetes is also a strong indication that you are likely to develop diabetes. If your doctor tells you that your blood sugar levels are indicative of pre-diabetes, it is very important to make diet and lifestyle changes immediately to prevent the onset of type II diabetes. High blood pressure is another major diabetes risk factor and maintaining a healthy cholesterol level can have many significant benefits on your health.

Other diabetes risk factors for diabetes include gestational diabetes as well as lifestyle, ethnicity, and family history. If you had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy, not only are you at risk of having it during subsequent pregnancies, but you are also at an elevated risk of developing type II diabetes in the future. This means taking active steps to lower your risks of diabetes.

When it comes to your lifestyle habits, the simple answer is to be active. If you do not exercise regularly, at least a few days a week, your risk of developing type II diabetes is much higher than that of an active person. Changing your exercise habits can greatly decrease your chances of developing diabetes and other health problems.

Your family history can also be a strong indicator of a genetic predisposition to diabetes. Your genetic predisposition is a high diabetes risk factor. If your parents or siblings have been diagnosed, caring for your body becomes even more important in helping to prevent the disease. Certain ethnic groups, such as Hispanics, African-Americans, Asian Americans, native Alaskans and Pacific Islanders are also at an elevated risk.

In short, knowing these diabetes risk factors can greatly help you reduce your risk of diabetes. If you have any of these risk factors, taking active steps to change your diet and lifestyle can greatly help you lower your chances of developing type II diabetes. While no diabetes risk factor is a certain indicator, and people without these factors can develop the condition, assessing risk and changing your lifestyle appropriately can have a significant impact on your life.

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