Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the way your body processes glucose (blood sugar).

When the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin, glucose can’t enter your cells and instead builds up in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. While type 2 diabetes is a complex condition with various contributing factors, there are several risk factors that increase your susceptibility to developing the disease. Here are 15 major risk factors to be aware of:.

1. Family history

If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing the disease is significantly higher.

Genetics can play a role in insulin resistance, beta cell dysfunction, and overall glucose metabolism, making it more likely for some people to develop diabetes than others.

2. Age

Age is another significant factor that increases your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. As you get older, your risk of developing the condition increases, with most cases being diagnosed in individuals over the age of 45.

However, type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent in younger populations due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise.

3. Obesity

Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, particularly if you carry excess fat around your abdomen.

When fat cells accumulate around your midsection, they release inflammatory chemicals that can impair glucose metabolism and increase insulin resistance.

4. Sedentary lifestyle

Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle is another significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively, making it easier for glucose to enter your cells and resulting in lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, physical activity can help with weight management and reduce the risk of obesity, which is a strong risk factor for diabetes.

5. Poor diet

A diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugar is a major contributor to type 2 diabetes. These types of foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance and eventual beta cell dysfunction.

A diet that emphasizes whole foods, healthy fats, and lean protein can help prevent the onset of diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels.

6. Smoking

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Nicotine can disrupt glucose metabolism and increase insulin resistance, making it more challenging for your body to use insulin effectively.

Additionally, smoking is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is a common complication of diabetes.

7. High blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels, which can impair blood flow and inhibit your body’s ability to produce and use insulin.

Additionally, blood pressure medications like beta-blockers and diuretics can increase blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin resistance.

8. High triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in your bloodstream and can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. High triglyceride levels are frequently associated with insulin resistance and can interfere with glucose metabolism.

Reducing triglycerides through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications has been shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

9. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and excess levels of androgens (male hormones).

PCOS is a known risk factor for developing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, with up to 70% of women with PCOS eventually developing diabetes in their lifetime.

10. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. It is often associated with obesity and is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

Sleep apnea can cause changes in glucose metabolism, leading to insulin resistance and increasing blood sugar levels.

11. Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. Women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Additionally, children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing obesity and diabetes.

12. Ethnicity

Some ethnic groups are more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes than others. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk for developing the disease than Caucasians.

These disparities are thought to be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

13. Stress

Chronic stress can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Stress hormones like cortisol can interfere with glucose metabolism and increase insulin resistance, making it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar levels.

Stress can also lead to poor sleep, overeating, and a sedentary lifestyle, which are all risk factors for diabetes.

14. Medications

Some medications can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Corticosteroids, beta-blockers, and some antipsychotic drugs have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes because they can interfere with glucose metabolism and increase insulin resistance.