Over 34 million American adults have diabetes. I am one of those people living with—actually, thriving with—diabetes and you might be too. You owe it to yourself to find out.
Type 2 diabetes:
Am I at risk?
Type 2 diabetes: Am I at risk?
Over 34 million American adults have diabetes. I am one of those people living with—actually, thriving with—diabetes and you might be too. You owe it to yourself to find out.
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Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
Curious what the risk factors of diabetes are? Here’s what I learned.
Aged 45 or older
If you’re 45 or older and have concerns about type 2 diabetes, pick up that phone or hop on the computer and schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Lacking physical activity
Hey, sometimes we’re not as active as we’d like to be. It happens. But it’s not too late to do something about it.
Being overweight
I know managing your weight can be hard. I feel you. The good news is that even losing a little weight can cut down your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Having high blood pressure
Things like high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, or high triglycerides can all play a role in developing type 2 diabetes. That’s why staying active and eating healthy are so important.
Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
Does your dad have type 2 diabetes? Maybe your sister? If you have a close family member with type 2 diabetes, bring it up the next time you speak with your doc.
Being a member of certain ethnic groups
Genetics can play a role in developing type 2 diabetes and certain ethnic groups including Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander have an increased risk.
Talk with your doctor about your risk factors—they’re here to help
If you have one or more risk factors for diabetes, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. I know going to the doctor and hearing information you don’t want to hear can be scary—trust me, I was there once—but let’s get real: Your diabetes isn’t going to just disappear. You have to take that bull by the horn and let diabetes know who’s the boss around here.
Millions of people are undiagnosed and don’t even know that they have diabetes! Finding out if you have diabetes is important because high blood sugar can damage your body and lead to other health problems if left untreated. When you know that you have diabetes, you can take steps to help lower your risk of complications. Getting tested and on a treatment plan was one of the most important conversations I’ve ever had with my doctor.
Never a Bad Time to Talk
If you have type 2 diabetes,
Know your cardiovascular risk—and what you can do about it
Recognizing the link between cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is the first step toward lowering your risk.
If you have type 2 diabetes,
Know your cardiovascular risk—and what you can do about it
Recognizing the link between cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is the first step toward lowering your risk.
Anthony Anderson's diabetes story
Diabetes is diabetes, even if you’re a celebrity. Hear how I got real about eating healthy, being active, and taking my medicine as discussed with my doctor.
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