About Your Diabetes > Who Gets Diabetes?

Diabetes strikes people of all ages and all socioeconomic groups. An estimated 20.8 million people in the US, 7.0 percent of the population, have diabetes.

Type 1

Although the cause of Type 1 diabetes is still unclear, the major risk factors appear to be family history and genetics.

Type 2

Risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes include having a family history of diabetes, being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, and having high blood pressure (130/80 mm Hg or higher). African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans are also at greater risk for developing diabetes. Many risk factors can be modified to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Therefore, even with a strong family history of diabetes, much can be done to prevent developing Type 2 diabetes.

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