Ten “At-Risk” Factors for Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes

by Lisa Morrone

One in three adults have problems regulating their blood sugar. Could you be the “one”? Consider these questions:

1. Are you carrying around excess belly fat? (Especially if your waist, when measured just above your belly button, is greater than 35 inches.)

2. Do you have a parent or sibling who was diagnosed with diabetes?

3. Would you consider your lifestyle to be mostly sedentary?

4. Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure, even if it is controlled with medication?

5. Have you been told that you have unhealthy cholesterol levels, even if you are taking medication to improve those levels?

6. Are you often thirsty and do you urinate frequently (eight times a day)?

7. Are you over 45 years of age?

8. Have you ever had gestational diabetes?

9. Have you given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds?

10. Have you been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome?



If you’ve checked off one or more of the above risk factors, ask your physician to order an A1C Test (blood test) so you can learn if you’re already “too sweet.”