Know Your Risk for Diabetes

More than 1 in 10 Kentuckians have been diagnosed with prediabetes, and even more don’t realize they have it. Are you one of them? Take our short assessment to find out.

Approximately 27,000 people in Kentucky are diagnosed with diabetes each year, according to the American Diabetes Association. Knowing your risk of getting prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes allows you to be proactive in your lifestyle choices and alter your chances of future complications.

The likelihood for developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes is impacted by several factors, including:

• Family history. You’re at risk if your parents or siblings have diabetes.
• Age. Approximately 33% of people age 65 and older are living with diabetes, and the risk for diabetes increases after age 45.
• Race. If you’re African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American or a Pacific Islander, your risk is higher.
• Blood pressure. Those with high blood pressure are at an increased risk for diabetes.
• Physical activity level. Your risk is increased if you don’t exercise or are physically inactive.
• Weight. Being overweight or obese places you at an increased risk for diabetes.

Learn more about your risk for prediabetes by taking this short, six-question assessment. If you find you are at risk, our diabetes care and education specialists at UK Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center can empower you to make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

For more information about programs and services available at UK Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, call 859-323-BBDC (2232). Select option 1 for the adult clinic; option 2 for the pediatric clinic; or option 3 for diabetes education services.