What is “pre-diabetes?” Part 2

Besides Age, other risk factors for prediabetes include:

Overweight: Individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 or if Asian American or if Pacific Islander > 26 . BMI over 23-25 is a very high independent risk factor for prediabetes

Blood pressure: The recommended BP should be less than 140/90 mm/Hg. If the blood pressure is uncontrolled and remains untreated, damage to blood vessels, brain and heart can occur. This is further worsened in the presence of diabetes.

Lipid levels:

HDL cholesterol < 40 mg/dL for men
HDL cholesterol < 50 mg/dL for women
Triglyceride level ≥250 mg/dL

Family History: If diabetes is present in a parent, siblings, the chance of another family member developing diabetes are very high.

Ethnicity: Diabetes is generally more aggressive and prone to occur in the following populations: African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander heritage.

Gestational diabetes: If a female has given birth to a heavy baby (more than 9 pounds or more, she may be at risk for developing prediabetes.

Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary life style with no or minimal exercise is a high riskfactor for developing prediabetes.

If an individual has any of the above features he /she is a candidate for prediabetic screening. Prior to the screening, it is essential that one measures random fasting blood sugars, if they are elevated, then a visit to the physician is highly recommended.

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