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 Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are less well understood than for type 2, but may include genetic, autoimmune, and environmental factors. While there is ongoing research into the triggers for type 1 diabetes, methods of prevention are not yet known.
In contrast, while there is no single cause of type 2 diabetes, many factors can put you at increased risk. By working to change the risk factors that you can (such as by losing weight), you can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
- Family history of diabetes
- High-risk ethnicity (Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, or African descent)
- Age of 40 or more years
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Overweight or obese (especially if you carry extra weight around your waist)
- History of gestational diabetes
- Delivery of a large baby (more than 4 kg /9 lbs at birth)
- History of polycystic ovary syndrome, acanthosis nigricans (darkened patches of skin), or schizophrenia
- History of pre-diabetes (IFG or IGT)
- Presence of complications associated with diabetes such as heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, nerve damage, or erectile dysfunction
The majority of people have no symptoms at first. And while there are many possible symptoms of diabetes, your health care provider will do blood tests to confirm a diagnosis. People with type 2 diabetes may experience some (or none) of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight change
- Extreme hunger
- Sudden vision changes (such as blurred vision)
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Feeling very tired much of the time
- Sores that are slow to heal
- More infections than usual
- Trouble achieving or maintaining an erection
Standard tests can be used to measure your blood sugar. The Canadian Diabetes Association has published guidelines that state what sugar levels in the blood are normal and what levels result in a diagnosis of impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes.
Casual (Random) Plasma Glucose - This blood test can be done at any time of the day without any eating or drinking restrictions. It may be used to diagnose diabetes if you are also experiencing symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight loss. A casual plasma glucose of greater than or equal to 11.1 mmol/L along with symptoms indicates diabetes.
Fasting Plasma Glucose* - This blood test is done after you have had nothing to eat or drink except water for at least 8 hours (usually overnight). Fasting plasma glucose of greater than or equal to 7.0 mmol /L indicates diabetes.
 Oral Glucose Tolerance Test* - This test is also performed after you have fasted for at least 8 hours. A starting blood sample is taken, and then you drink a special high-sugar drink. Your blood is tested again 2 hours after drinking it. In a person without diabetes, the glucose levels in the blood rise after the glucose drink, but then fall quickly back to normal. In people with diabetes, glucose levels rise higher than normal after drinking the glucose drink and come down to normal levels much slower. A blood sugar level of greater than or
equal to 11.1 mmol/L 2 hours after drinking the glucose drink indicates diabetes.
* For a definite diagnosis of diabetes to be made, a second test must confirm the findings on a separate day, except in situations where symptoms are severe.
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