Diabetes Risk Factors
According to the National Institute for Health, there are many factors that increase your risk for diabetes. The following are risk factors for diabetes:
- Over the age of 45
- Overweight
- Immediate Family member has diabetes
- Family background with African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander
- Previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes or having a baby that weighed 8lbs or more at birth
- Abnormal sugar levels
- High blood pressure (140/90 or higher)
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- Recommended cholesterol levels:
- Overall cholesterol 200 mg/dl <
- HDL 40 or > in men, 50 or > in women
- LDL 100 or <
- Triglycerides 150 mg/dl or <
- Physically active less than three times a week
The American Diabetes Association also offers an online Diabetes Risk test that you can take to determine your risk of diabetes.
If you are at risk of diabetes, you may want to discuss diabetes with your doctor.
Through our partnership with Conway Regional, we assist those managing diabetes. If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, we encourage you to contact the Diabetes Education office so we can help you learn to manage your diabetes. Call the Diabetes Education office at 501-513-5248 for more information.