What Other Common Conditions Contribute to My Risk?
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High blood pressure can cause damage to the cardiovascular system. Untreated high blood pressure has been linked to complications from diabetes. Studies also how a link between high blood pressure and insulin resistance, which leads to type 2 diabetes. When people have both high blood pressure and diabetes, which is common, the risk for heart disease increases even more.
Cholesterol is important to your health. When certain levels are too high, it can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries. People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high cholesterol. Having both threatens artery health.
The kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from your body. Over time, diabetes can damage your kidneys so they no longer work well, which can lead to dialysis or the need for a kidney transplant.
Some factors that increase the risk of diabetes are inherited from our parents or close relatives. If you have a blood relative with type 2 diabetes, your risk is increased. Share your family health history with your health care team to find out what it may mean for you.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of diabetes. Losing 5% to 10% of body weight, for example losing 10 to 20 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds, can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk decreases as more weight is lost.