Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually and may be present for years without any noticeable symptoms. Therefore, awareness of risk factors is essential. Individuals who believe they may be at risk should not overlook these indicators, as early diagnosis allows for timely intervention and significantly improves long-term health outcomes.
Certain risk factors for type 2 diabetes can be modified—such as weight, diet, and physical activity, while others are non-modifiable. Risk increases with age, particularly after 40, and is higher among individuals with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling) living with diabetes. Ethnic background also plays a role; people of African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, or South Asian descent are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The likelihood of developing diabetes is further increased in individuals with any of the following:
- Hypertension
- Elevated cholesterol or other dyslipidemia
- High body mass index (BMI) or excess body weight, especially central (abdominal) obesity
- Pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose)
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Acanthosis nigricans (darkened, velvety skin patches)
- Additionally, the use of glucocorticoid medications is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Please follow the link below to complete the diabetes risk assessment questionnaire.
References
- Assess your risk of developing diabetes. Assess your risk of developing diabetes – Diabetes Canada. (n.d.). https://www.diabetes.ca/type-2-risks/risk-factors-assessments
- Health Canada, G. of C. (2017, March 29). The Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire. https://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/en/canrisk