Besides being older and overweight, what other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?

To find out your risk for type 2 diabetes, check each item that applies to you.

* I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
* My family background is Alaska Native, American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
* I have had gestational diabetes, or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
* My blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure.
* My cholesterol levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol—“good” cholesterol—is below 35 mg/dL, or my triglyceride level is above 250 mg/dL.
* I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week.
* I have polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS—women only.
* On previous testing, I had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG).
* I have other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as acanthosis nigricans.
* I have a history of cardiovascular disease.

The more items you checked, the higher your risk.