Understanding Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Risk

What is Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose). With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

• Age (45 years or older)
• Overweight or obesity
• Family history of diabetes
• Physical inactivity
• Race/ethnicity (higher risk in African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans)
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal cholesterol levels
• History of gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• History of prediabetes