Health Tip: Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Lifestyle is a major player

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(HealthDay News) - Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn't properly process the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar. This form of diabetes is controlled with medication, proper diet and exercise, and maintaining a healthy body weight, and normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

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The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse lists common risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

• Being overweight.
• Being over age 45.
• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
• Giving birth to a large baby (more than 9 pounds).
• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Having a history of heart disease.
• Maintaining a sedentary lifestyle and getting little or no exercise.

-- Diana Kohnle