Are You at Risk for Diabetes?

Read on and learn how to banish it before it begins.

Sweet Stuff - November is American Diabetes Month, and there’s no better time to assess your risk of developing this common disease, which is what happens when your body has a difficult time using and storing glucose. When the sugar builds up in your blood, it wreaks havoc all over your body, impacting everything from your kidneys to your eyes. So read on to see if diabetes could be in your future — and how to banish it before it begins. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: Peter Dressel/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Sweet Stuff - November is American Diabetes Month, and there’s no better time to assess your risk of developing this common disease, which is what happens when your body has a difficult time using and storing glucose. When the sugar builds up in your blood, it wreaks havoc all over your body, impacting everything from your kidneys to your eyes. So read on to see if diabetes could be in your future — and how to banish it before it begins. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: Peter Dressel/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Your Family - If one of your parents or a sibling has type 2 diabetes, your risk goes up.  (Photo: GettyImages)

The Number on the Scale - The more fat cells you have, the greater the chance of your body becoming resistant to insulin, which means it won’t be able to correctly process sugar. Aim to keep your body mass index (BMI) below 25; calculate yours here. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez, Inc./Blend Images/Corbis)

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The Number on the Scale - The more fat cells you have, the greater the chance of your body becoming resistant to insulin, which means it won’t be able to correctly process sugar. Aim to keep your body mass index (BMI) below 25; calculate yours here. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez, Inc./Blend Images/Corbis)

Lose Some Weight - Being obese and having excess fat on your body can do a number on your menstrual cycle and make you skip periods, which means you ovulate less. And being able to pinpoint ovulation is crucial for getting pregnant. FYI: Being underweight isn’t good for fertility, either. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

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A Sedentary Life - If you’re not getting the recommended amount of exercise, not only are you more likely to gain weight, but your body will have a harder time dealing with insulin. The Centers for Disease and Control recommends 2.5 hours of cardio, plus strengthening exercise a couple times a week.  (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

Your Blood Pressure - Usually, high blood pressure has no symptoms. That's why it's so important to check your blood pressure regularly. When blood pressure is high, your risk for diabetes and other problems goes up. Treat and help prevent high blood pressure by limiting your salt and sugar intake, eating healthier and exercising regularly. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Your Blood Pressure - Usually, high blood pressure has no symptoms. That's why it's so important to check your blood pressure regularly. When blood pressure is high, your risk for diabetes and other problems goes up. Treat and help prevent high blood pressure by limiting your salt and sugar intake, eating healthier and exercising regularly. (Photo: Getty Images)

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Fat Babies - If you delivered a baby who weighed more than nine pounds, you are at increased risk. Ditto if you developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy.  (Photo: Chuck Savage/Corbis)

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Fat Babies - If you delivered a baby who weighed more than nine pounds, you are at increased risk. Ditto if you developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy.  (Photo: Chuck Savage/Corbis)

On the Rise - While still on the mend, Obamacare enrollment was much stronger in its second month. According to the latest report, approximately 365,000 have purchased private insurance and 803,000 have been determined to be eligible for the public Medicaid program.  (Photo: Christopher Futcher/Getty Images)

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Your Ovaries - If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, you also have a greater chance of developing diabetes.  (Photo: Christopher Futcher/Getty Images)

Your Birthdays - Though people are developing diabetes earlier than ever before, your risk increases as you age, especially once you move beyond 45.  (Photo: Daniel Grill/Tetra Images/Corbis)

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Your Birthdays - Though people are developing diabetes earlier than ever before, your risk increases as you age, especially once you move beyond 45.  (Photo: Daniel Grill/Tetra Images/Corbis)