Who Gets Diabetes

whodiabetes

Who gets diabetes?

Diabetes is not contagious. People cannot catch it from each other. Type 1 diabetes occurs equally among males and females and develops most often in children but can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people.

Who is at greater risk for type 2 diabetes?

  • People with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
  • People over age 45
  • People with a family history of diabetes
  • People who are overweight
  • People who do not exercise regularly
  • People with low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides, high blood pressure
  • Certain racial and ethnic groups (e.g. Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Alaska Natives)
  • Women who had gestational diabetes or who have had a baby weighing nine pounds or more at birth

How can I reduce my risk?

You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes.

  • Exercising regularly
  • Reducing fat and calorie intake
  • Losing a little weight
  • Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol