O MeA e tAtAU OnA e IlOA - Australian Diabetes Council

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Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include:
• Family history of diabetes
• Overweight and over 45 years of age
• Heart disease, heart attack or stroke
• High blood pressure and over 45 years of age
• Anyone over 55 years of age
• High blood cholesterol
• High blood glucose levels during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
• Higher than normal blood glucose levels
• Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islanders, Indian sub-continent or Chinese cultural
background
• Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
The Australian Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK) should be used to identify your risk
of developing type 2 diabetes. You can get this risk assessment tool from your doctor or from
www.health.gov.au. Discuss your results with your doctor.
Children and adolescents who are overweight, experiencing increased thirst, urinary
frequency, tiredness and/or who may have a family history of diabetes should also be
tested for diabetes.
One of the main risk factors for developing diabetes is a family (hereditary) link. This means
that if a person has diabetes, there is an increased risk that other members of their family (e.g.
brother, sister, children, grandchildren) will develop diabetes.
Your family needs to be aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle to delay or prevent
type 2 diabetes. Regular physical activity and healthy food choices will help reduce the risk
of developing type 2 diabetes.
PREVENTION - THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW
People at high risk of type 2 diabetes should be tested by their doctor every year to check for
the possible onset of diabetes.
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