Are You at Risk For Diabetes?

According to an article in the November 2010 issue of Better Homes and Garden, before type 2 diabetes sets in, blood sugar hovers in an elevated limbo state.  Most people with pre-diabetes experience no symptoms.  The following signs could mean you're at risk. Below are some ways to tell if you're affected and how losing weight can halt the progression.

1. A body mass index of 25 or higher (go to cdc.gov/bmi for a BMI calculator)
2. Exercising fro fewer than 20 minutes three times per week.
3. A immediate family member with diabetes
4. High blood pressure
5. Low HDL ("good") cholesterol or high triglycerides
6. Polycystic ovary syndrome
7. Gestational diabetes, or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
8. Being of African-American, Indian, or Pacific Islander descent.