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Type 2 Diabetes in Children - What Increases Your Risk

The major risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children include:

  • Being overweight.
  • Getting little or no physical activity.
  • Family history. At least 75% of children with type 2 diabetes have a parent, sister, or brother with the disease.2

Other factors that increase risk include:

  • Race. African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander children are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes than white American children.
  • Being female. Girls are more likely to develop the disease than boys.
  • The child's mother having diabetes that developed during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).

Medical conditions that contribute to the risk of complications in adolescence and beyond include:

Teens with diabetes who smoke have a higher risk of complications from diabetes than do those who do not smoke.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 25, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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