Do You Have Diabetes? Measure Your Risk - Diabetes Type 2

Millions of Americans have type 2 diabetes but don't know it. If you have the symptoms described here, you should ask your doctor to give you a blood-glucose test.

Millions of Americans have type 2 diabetes but don't know it. Aging and excess weight are the two strongest risks for diabetes. If you are older than 45, or if you are overweight and you have any of the risk factors described here, ask your doctor for a blood glucose test.

In addition, assess your own risks by answering the following questions. If you answer yes to two or more, you should be on the lookout for symptoms. You also might consider asking your doctor for a blood-glucose test.

Do you have any family members with type 2 diabetes?
Do you exercise fewer than three times a week?
If you are a woman, have you had a baby that weighs more than 9 pounds?
Are you African-American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, or of South Pacific Island heritage?
Have you been diagnosed with diabetes during a pregnancy?
Have you been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Have you had a cholesterol problem, artery disease or high blood pressure?
Has your blood sugar ever been high?
Do you regularly drink sweetened beverages?

Want to learn more? Visit the American Diabetes Association (ADA) website. Take the ADA's Diabetes Risk Test.