What are the major risk factors for diabetes?

Are you at risk of diabetes? Do you know the risk factors for diabetes? Although the exact cause of diabetes is unknown, there are many factors that increase the risk of diabetes.

Family History: People who have parents with diabetes are at higher risk of both type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

Being Overweight: People who are overweight have a higher risk of type-2 diabetes.

Physical Inactivity: Proper physical activity helps to control weight, uses up glucose as energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin. People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of type-2 diabetes.

Infection or illness: Sometimes infection or illness of the pancreas temporarily slow down or permanently damage its ability to produce insulin.

Race: People of certain races including blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and Asian-Americans are at higher risk of type-2 diabetes.

Age: People who are over 45 and obese, have a higher risk of type-2 diabetes.

Some other medical conditions like having blood pressure over 140/90(mm Hg) is linked to an increased risk of type-2 diabetes as well.