What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

A close family member with type 2 diabetes, increasing age, and a history of diabetes during pregnancy can raise risk. Prediabetes means blood glucose is above the usual range but not yet in the diabetes range; it can progress over time.

Having obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome may also increase risk. Physical inactivity, smoking, sleep problems, and diets high in refined carbohydrates can add to the overall picture. Risk is not a diagnosis, and people without obvious risk factors can still develop diabetes.

Ask a clinician whether you need a blood glucose test, particularly if you have several risk factors or have been told you have prediabetes. Tests may include fasting glucose or an HbA1c test. Follow-up timing depends on your result and health history.

Regular movement, balanced meals with fibre-rich foods, avoiding tobacco, adequate sleep, and gradual weight changes when appropriate can improve metabolic health. A clinician or dietitian can adapt these steps to your medicines, culture, and daily routine.

Book an appointment if you have increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, or marked tiredness. Seek urgent care for vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, or difficulty breathing with very high blood glucose if you monitor it. Do not wait for symptoms if you have known prediabetes or several risk factors.

Which risk factors apply to me? Should I have a glucose or HbA1c test? What result would indicate prediabetes? Which changes are realistic with my current health and medicines? When should I repeat testing?