Perspectives on Diabetes Care
This is the official blog of the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists where we share recent research and professional opinions on diabetes care and education.
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Updated Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
May 3, 2017, 17:56 PM
As I read the summary of the new Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2017 I noticed a big change in the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Delivering a baby over nine pounds is no longer an independent risk factor for the development of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. All these years, that was part of my talk to community groups, but based on current research it is no longer a risk factor we need to discuss.
I spent some time looking through the references to find the current research that proves why delivering a baby over nine pounds is not a predictor of future type 2 diabetes risk and I could not find a new study. I did find most articles still citing the old recommendations that it was an independent risk factor.
The American Diabetes Association has a great handout in multiple languages that I have used for years and it is updated to reflect the changes. Please make sure your facility or office updates their screening tools as well.
The Are You at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes? tool highlights age, gender, history of gestational diabetes, family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, physical activity, and BMI.
If you are familiar with the change or you are on the committee, can you please comment below to discuss?
About the Author
Amy Campbell is a dietitian and certified diabetes educator. She currently works in public health in Lexington, Kentucky and has been working in diabetes for over seven years.