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.

Written by Brittany Doohan | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Updated on May 30, 2023

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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.

Additional Medical Contributors (3)

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• Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MDDr. Okeke-Igbokwe is an internist and health media expert in New York City.
• Minisha Sood, MDDr. Sood is a board-certified Endocrinologist in private practice in New York City and an assistant professor at Hofstra School of Medicine.
• Sonal Chaudhry, MDDr. Chaudhry is an Endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City.

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References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Diabetes risk factors.

Goyal, R., et al. (2023). Type 2 diabetes. StatPearls.

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National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

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