If you aren't as healthy as you should be, type 2 diabetes is something to worry about. That's a disease you can develop, especially later in life, if you don't take care of your health. It can cause damage to your heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and other body parts.
How do you know if you're at risk? Well, a lot of factors play a role. Your risk is higher if you're overweight or obese. This is especially true if you tend to gain weight around your abdomen, rather than in your hips or thighs. Your risk is higher if you don't get exercise.
Type 2 diabetes is more common in people who are 45 or older. It's more common in people who have a family history of the disease. And, it's more common in nonwhites than in Caucasians.
Another risk factor is "prediabetes." That's a condition where you have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. But you don't have diabetes yet. Over time, prediabetes can turn into diabetes.
There are also a few factors that raise the risk for women. If you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your risk is higher. It's also higher if you have polycystic ovary syndrome.
If you think you may be at risk, talk to your doctor about ways you can improve your health. You may benefit from medications, a better diet, an exercise plan or more monitoring. Your doctor will create a care plan that's right for you.