You are at risk for Type 2 diabetes if you:
- are over the age of 40 years old
- have a first degree relative with type 2 diabetes (eg. mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter)
- are a member of a high-risk population (eg. Aboriginal, African, Asian, Hispanic or South Asian descent)
- have a history of gestational diabetes
- have delivered a large baby (eg. over 9 pounds birthweight)
- have been diagnosed with prediabetes
- have complications associated with diabetes (eg. eye, kidney or nerve damage)
- have cardiovascular complications (eg. heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease)
- have high cholesterol or high triglycerides
- have high blood pressure
- are overweight, especially around your waist
- have polycystic ovarian syndrome
- have darkened skin under your arms or under your breasts (called acanthosis nigricans)
- have a history of depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
- take steroid medications for other diseases
To see if you are at risk, take the Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is diagnosed when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It is your "warning light" that you are at risk for diabetes. Just like when your car gives you a warning light, and you get it fixed before it breaks down--the diagnosis of prediabetes is your warning light to make some changes now. Research has shown that some long-term complications related to diabetes (heart disease and nerve damage) can begin during prediabetes.
How is Prediabetes Diagnosed?
| Test | Result confirming Prediabetes | Normal |
| Fasting Blood Glucose | 6.1 to 6.9 | 3.5 to 6 |
| Random Glucose 2 hours after eating | 7.8 to 11.0 | less than 7.8 |
| A1C (blood test to check average blood sugar over past 3 months) | 6.0 to 6.4 % | 4 to 6 % |
