Besides age and overweight, what other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes? To find out your risk for type 2 diabetes, check each item that applies to you. I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes. My family background is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino. I have had gestational diabetes, or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds. My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure. My cholesterol levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) is 35 or lower, or my triglyceride level is 250 or higher. I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week. What can I do about my risk? You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing weight can all help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also help you stay healthy. If you are overweight - Then take these steps: Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight . Make wise food choices most of the time. Be physically active every day. If you checked - I am fairly inactive. Then take this step: Be physically active every day If you checked - My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. Then take these steps: Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight. Make wise food choices most of the time. Reduce your intake of salt and alcohol. Be physically active everyday. Talk to your doctor about whether you need medicine to control your blood pressure. If you checked - My cholesterol levels are not normal. Then take these steps: Make wise food choices most of the time. Be physically active every day. Talk to your doctor about whether you need medicine to control your cholesterol levels.