Risk Factors
According to the National Institute for Health, there are many factors that increase your risk for diabetes, including:
- Over the age of 45
- Overweight or obese
- Immediate family member with diabetes
- Family background with African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
- Previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes or having a baby that weighed 9 lbs or more at birth
- Abnormal sugar levels
- High blood pressure (140/90 or higher)
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- Recommended cholesterol levels:
- Overall cholesterol 200 mg/dl <
- HDL 40 or > in men, 50 or > in women
- LDL 100 or <
- Triglycerides 150 mg/dl or <
- Physically active less than three times a week
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
The American Diabetes Association also offers an online diabetes risk test that you can take to determine your risk of diabetes.
If are at risk of diabetes, you may want to discuss diabetes with your doctor.
At Conway Regional, we offer assistance for those managing diabetes. If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes, we encourage you to contact the diabetes education office, so we can help you learn to manage your diabetes. Visit the Diabetes Education page or call 501-932-3236 for more information.