How do I know if I’m at risk for diabetes?

• See the Diabetes Risk Checklist to learn whether you’re at risk.

Who should get tested for diabetes or pre-diabetes?

• It’s a good idea to get tested if you’re 45 years old or older, especially if you’re also overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more). Click here to calculate your BMI. You should also get tested if you are younger than 45, overweight, and have one or more risk factors for diabetes (such as family history, women who have had baby over 9 pounds). You may also be at increased risk if you are of Latin American, African American, Pacific Islander or Native American heritage.
  
  Talk with your doctor about your diabetes risk and how to get tested.

Can children be at risk for type 2 diabetes?

• Yes. In fact, type 2 diabetes and its risk factors are increasing among children. It’s a good idea to discuss your child’s diabetes risk with his or her doctor, especially if your child is overweight or diabetes runs in the family.

What can I do if I’m at risk for diabetes or already have pre-diabetes?

These simple steps can help you reduce your risk or prevent or delay type 2 diabetes:

• Follow a balanced eating plan that includes a variety of foods and the right amount of calories to achieve and maintain a healthful weight. Learn about the My Pyramid eating plan.
• Be active. Shoot for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week (60 minutes if you're trying to lose weight). Get the facts on starting a physical activity program.
• If you’re overweight, lose weight. Shedding even a few pounds (5-7% of body weight)—for example, 10 to 15 pounds for a 200-pound person—reduces your diabetes risk. Get tips for healthful weight management.
• Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.

Diabetes Risk Checklist

Print this list and place a checkmark next to each diabetes risk factor that applies to you. The more risk factors you have, the higher your risk for getting type 2 diabetes. Share your results with your doctor.

• You are age 45 or older.
• You are overweight (a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more).
• You have a parent, sister or brother with type 2 diabetes.
• You are physically active fewer than three times a week.
• You're a woman who had gestational diabetes, or have given birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
• Your family background is Alaska Native, American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
• Your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, or you’ve been told you have high blood pressure.
• Your cholesterol levels are not normal. Your “good” HDL cholesterol is below 35 mg/dL, or your triglyceride level is above 250 mg/dL.
• You have a history of cardiovascular disease.
• You’ve already had a test that showed pre-diabetes: a fasting plasma glucose test result ≥100 mg/dl but < 126 mg/dl, or an oral glucose tolerance test result ≥140 mg/dl but < 200 mg/dl.
• You have a condition associated with insulin resistance (when the body’s cells don’t respond normally to insulin), such as acanthosis nigricans or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).