Approximately 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It is often asymptomatic or its symptoms may be subtle, making it possible for someone to live with it for up to 10 years before being diagnosed. To identify your risk for diabetes, it is important to be aware of its risk factors.
Age increases your risk and being over 40 if you’re white or over 25 if you’re African-Caribbean, Black African, Chinese, or South Asian puts you at higher risk.
Family history also plays a role, as you’re 2 to 6 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if a family member has it.
People of South Asian and African-Caribbean or Black African descent are also more prone to type 2 diabetes.
Other risk factors include a history of high blood pressure.
A high waist measurement, and obesity or being overweight.
Additionally, men have a slightly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women.