Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating Your Risk for Diabetes

Because we know a great deal about diabetes and its causes, it's relatively simple to determine if you are at risk for diabetes. When doing a health risk assessment for diabetes, several factors need to be taken into consideration.

Do you have a family history of diabetes?
If you do, your risk is higher.

Are you of African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Island descent?
If you are, your risk is higher because diabetes is more common in these ethnic groups.

Do you get moderate exercise most days of the week?
If not, your risk is higher.

Are you at a healthy weight?
If not, your risk is higher.

Do you eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains?
If not, your risk is higher.

Take a good look at the factors above and you can make your health risk assessment for diabetes. If you have questions or feel you are at risk, talk to you doctor about lessening your risk factors.