Could type 2 diabetes affect you?

TYPE 1 diabetes tends to be inherited. But about 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2, which can be linked to your lifestyle. Here are five risk factors to look out for: 1 Your chances increase with age White people over the age of 40 and African-caribbean, Black African or South Asian people over 25 are particularly susceptible. 2 If it’s in your family

If you have a parent, sibling or child with diabetes your level of risk increases by up to six times. 3 If you’ve had high blood pressure or a stroke If you’ve ever experienced high blood pressure, have had a heart attack or a stroke your risk is increased. 4 Are you overweight?

Your risk is heightened if you’re overweight, particularly around your middle. 5 If you have polycystic ovaries

Women with polycystic ovaries, gestational diabetes or a newborn baby weighing over 10lb are also more likely to become diabetic.

Visit riskscore.diabetes.org.uk to calculate your risk.