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Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors You Need to Know

In this video, learn what puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes—and what to do about it.

Brittany DoohanSanjai Sinha, MD
Written by Brittany Doohan | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on May 13, 2025
Featuring Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, Minisha Sood, MD, Sonal Chaudhry, MDReviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD | May 13, 2025

The best way to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is to know your individual risk factors. That way, you can work with your doctor, get regular screenings, and adjust your lifestyle to prevent diabetes.

Your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes depends on a combination of factors. You can’t change all risk factors, such as family history, age, or ethnicity. But there are many you may be able to control, such as diet, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle factors.

References

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Brittany Doohan
Written by:
Brittany Doohan
Brittany Doohan was the Content Director at HealthiNation and is currently the Editorial Director at Medscape. Through her work with Medscape, she won a Silver Telly Award in May 2022 for "Sleepless Nation: A Public Health Epidemic — Episode 2: A Decade Without a Diagnosis." She has worked in health journalism and video production for more than 8 years, and loves the challenge of explaining complex topics in an easy-to-understand and creative way.
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.
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