The most common risk factors for type 2 diabetes

The most common risk factors for type 2 diabetes

Because type 2 diabetes is the most common, it is important for the hygienist to be aware of its risk factors, which include:

* Being overweight/obese
* Being physically inactive (living the “couch potato” lifestyle)
* Having an immediate blood relative with diabetes, including a parent or sibling
* Being of African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-Latino, Native American, or Pacific Island descent
* Having had a baby who weighed more than nine pounds at birth or having had gestational diabetes
* Having uncontrolled hypertension (over 140/90)
* Having low (HDL) levels of good cholesterol (35 mg/dl or lower)
* Having high triglyceride (blood fat) levels (250 mg/dl or higher)
* Having higher than normal blood glucose levels (also called impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or prediabetes)
* Having polycystic ovary disease
* Exhibiting signs or symptoms of insulin resistance, including a skin condition called acanthosis nigrans (characterized by dark patches of skin on the neck or other areas of the body)
* Having a history of blood vessel disease