Anyone can suffer from diabetes. However, there are many factors that increase your risk for diabetes. If most of your answers are "Yes", you might be at the risk of diabetes.
- I am 40 years of age or older.
- My BMI is more than 25 Kg/m2.
- I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
- My family background is African American, Hispanic Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
- I have had diabetes while I was pregnant or I gave birth to a baby weighing 4 Kilograms (9 pounds) or more.
- I consume too much of refined cereals such as refined wheat flour, white breads, sugar and too less of protein and fiber foods.
- I have been told that my blood sugar levels are more than normal.
- My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told that I have a high blood pressure.
- My cholesterol (lipid) levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) is less than 35 or my triglyceride level is higher than 250.
- I am fairly inactive. I am physically active less than three times a week.
- I have been told that I have polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD).
- The skin around my neck or in my armpits appears dirty no matter how much I scrub it. The skin appears dark, thick and velvety.
- I have been told that I have blood vessel problems affecting my heart, brain, or legs.
- I have had a severe strephylococci infection in the past.
- I have taken medications such as Clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine and ziprasidone in the past.
