Health Tip: Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

(HealthDay News) - Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn't properly process the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar. This form of diabetes is controlled with medication, proper diet and exercise, and maintaining a healthy body weight, and normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse lists common risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

• Being overweight.

• Being over age 45.

• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes.

• Giving birth to a large baby (more than 9 pounds).

• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

• Having a history of heart disease.

• Maintaining a sedentary lifestyle and getting little or no exercise.