Understanding Your Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in Canada. It develops when the body cannot effectively use insulin or cannot produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. The good news is that many of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes can be identified early, and some can be modified through healthy lifestyle changes. Understanding your risk is an important first step toward prevention.

Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually. In its early stages, a person may have prediabetes or even type 2 diabetes without noticing any symptoms. Because of this, many people are unaware that they are at risk. Identifying risk factors early can help individuals take action to reduce their chances of developing the condition or delay its onset.

Understanding the factors associated with type 2 diabetes is the first step toward prevention. Even people who have been told they have prediabetes can often reduce their risk through positive health choices and regular monitoring. 

One of the easiest ways to understand your personal risk is to complete the Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire, known as CANRISK. Developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, this tool evaluates important risk factors such as age, family history, ethnicity, body weight, waist circumference, activity level, dietary habits, blood pressure history, and previous high blood sugar levels. 

The questionnaire is simple to complete and takes only a few minutes. It can help identify whether you may be at increased risk for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, even if you do not have symptoms.

To assess your risk of Type 2 Diabetes, consider taking the Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire – CANRISK.

Age is one of the most important risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The risk increases as people get older, particularly after age 40. Regular screening for adults aged 40 years and older is recommended because the likelihood of developing diabetes rises with age.  While aging itself cannot be changed, being aware of this risk factor can encourage people to monitor their health and take preventive steps earlier.

Your family history can strongly influence your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Individuals with a parent, sibling, or child who has diabetes are more likely to develop the condition themselves. This increased risk may be related to both genetics and shared lifestyle habits within families. Having a family history does not mean someone will definitely develop diabetes, but it does mean that regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices become even more important.

Research has shown that certain ethnic groups are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes. People with African, Arab, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, or South Asian backgrounds may have a higher likelihood of developing the condition.  This increased risk is related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. Understanding this risk can help individuals and healthcare providers identify the need for earlier screening and prevention strategies.

Being overweight or living with obesity is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat can make it harder for the body to use insulin effectively, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels over time.  Higher Body Mass Index categories are associated with progressively higher risk scores. Although weight is only one part of overall health, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.  Speak to your pharmacist if you have questions regarding weight management.

A Body Mass Index calculator can be found here - BMI

Where a person carries excess weight also matters. Carrying extra weight around the waist is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.  The CANRISK questionnaire includes waist circumference because excess abdominal fat is closely linked to insulin resistance. Measuring waist size at the level of the belly button provides valuable information about diabetes risk beyond body weight alone. People with larger waist measurements may benefit from discussing ways to improve their health with their pharmacist.

Regular physical activity helps the body use insulin more effectively and supports healthy blood sugar levels. Individuals who are not physically active have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  The CANRISK questionnaire asks whether a person typically participates in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Lack of regular activity contributes to a higher risk score. Physical activity does not have to involve intense exercise. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, gardening, household chores, or recreational sports can all contribute to better health and reduced diabetes risk.

Diet plays an important role in overall health and diabetes prevention. The CANRISK assessment specifically asks about fruit and vegetable consumption because healthy eating patterns are linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Eating vegetables and fruits regularly can support a healthy weight, improve nutrition, and contribute to better blood sugar management. Healthy food choices, combined with physical activity, are key parts of reducing diabetes risk.

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with prediabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.  A history of elevated blood sugar is considered a major risk factor for future diabetes. Because prediabetes may have no obvious symptoms, regular screening and risk assessment are important tools for early detection.  Speak with your pharmacist if you want to learn more about testing your blood sugar level.

High blood pressure and type 2 diabetes often occur together. People who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or who take medication to control it may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Managing blood pressure through healthy living and appropriate medical care can benefit overall health.  Stop by your pharmacy to check your blood pressure or speak with your pharmacist to learn more.

Diabetes Canada identifies low levels of HDL cholesterol, often called "good cholesterol," and high triglyceride levels as risk factors for type 2 diabetes.  These blood lipid abnormalities can be signs of underlying metabolic changes that increase the likelihood of insulin resistance and diabetes. Regular health assessments can help identify these concerns and guide treatment when necessary.  If you haven’t had your cholesterol checked recently, it may be time to check in with your physician. 

Certain pregnancy-related experiences can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Women who have had gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that develops during pregnancy, have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Women who have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (4.1 kilograms) may also have an increased risk. Women with these risk factors should discuss regular diabetes screening with their pharmacist.

People who smoke (or use tobacco products) are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with those who do not smoke.  Quitting smoking provides many health benefits, including improvements in heart health, lung function, and overall well-being, while also helping reduce diabetes risk.  Your pharmacist can support you on your smoking cessation journey by setting up a personalized quit program just for you.

If your CANRISK score suggests that you are at medium, high, or very high risk for type 2 diabetes, it is important to take the next step. Diabetes Canada recommends that people with elevated risk be screened and assessed by a healthcare professional. 

Your pharmacist can be an accessible and valuable member of your healthcare team. They can review your risk factors, discuss lifestyle changes that may help reduce your risk, answer questions about medications, and help determine whether additional diabetes screening is appropriate. Booking an appointment with your pharmacist after completing the CANRISK assessment is a practical way to better understand your risk and develop a plan to protect your long-term health.