If you have ever wondered if you might be at risk for type 2 diabetes, you are not alone. With the increase in diabetes in Canada over the years, this is ‘top of mind’ for many people. And if you are over 40 years of age, you should have already been tested for diabetes.
What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?
There are a number of things that put you at risk for type 2 diabetes. Some of these can be modified by making lifestyle changes. For example, being overweight is a risk factor that can be reduced or removed through lifestyle changes. Other risk factors like family history can’t be eliminated.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
- Being 40 years of age or older
- Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Being a member of a high-risk ethnic population. For example, being of Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African descent
- Being overweight, especially around the abdomen
- Having a history of gestational diabetes
- Being diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes complications like eye, kidney or nerve problems or heart disease
- Physical inactivity
- Having high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol
If you have any of these risk factors, you should be checked for diabetes. Talk to your healthcare provider.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
You may be given one of three different tests to check your blood glucose (sugar) level:
- Fasting blood glucose (FPG) – this is a test that requires you to fast for at least 8 hours. However you may drink water. A blood glucose level that is 7.0 mmol/L or higher means that a person has diabetes.
- A1C – this test also involves analyzing a sample of your blood in a laboratory. A1C is measured as a percentage, so an A1C level of 6.5% or higher means that a person has diabetes.
- Oral glucose tolerance test – this test requires you to take a special sweetened drink two hours prior to the blood test. A blood glucose level of 11.1 mmol/L or higher two hours after you’ve consumed the sweet drink means that a person has diabetes.
Is there any way to prevent getting diabetes?
Having risk factors for diabetes does not mean that you will inevitably end up with the condition, but does indicate that your chances are greater than those of the general population.
Remember the good news: you can take steps to manage your blood glucose to help delay or prevent the onset of diabetes. Blood glucose levels can often be reduced through basic lifestyle changes such as following a healthy eating plan and starting a program of regular physical activity.
You can check your risk right now with the Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire – CANRISK.
Learn more about diabetes risk factors here.
