There are a number of pre-diabetes risk factors, including:
Age. People over 45 are at an increased risk for pre-diabetes.
Abnormal lipid levels. Men with an HDLcholesterol of less than 40 mg/dL and women with an HDL cholesterol of less than 50 mg/dL are at increased risk for pre-diabetes; People with triglyceride levels of 250 mg/dL or more are also at an increased risk.
Overweight. People who are overweight, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25 (23 if Asian American; 26 if a Pacific Islander), are at an increased risk to develop pre-diabetes. (Click Diabetes Risk Factors for more information about diabetes and BMI.)
Blood pressure. People with blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm/Hg are at increased risk for pre-diabetes.
Family history. People with a parent or sibling with pre-diabetes have a higher-than-normal risk of getting the disease.
Ethnicity. Statistics show that people of African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Island heritage have an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Inactive lifestyle. People who exercise fewer than three times per week may be at an increased risk of developing pre-diabetes.
History of gestational diabetes. Women who have previously had gestational diabetes or given birth to at least one baby weighing 9 pounds or more are at increased risk for pre-diabetes.
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