Family Health History and Diabetes

Haywood, a physical education teacher, was shocked to learn he had type 2 diabetes, even though his mother also had the disease. Today, he takes steps to control his diabetes and to help his daughters lower their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Read Haywood’s story >

Since diabetes runs in Sorcy’s family, her daughters are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. But she’s made simple changes to stay healthy and keep her family healthy. Read Sorcy’s story >

Latecia’s mother has type 2 diabetes. That means Leticia and her daughters have a greater risk of developing the disease, so they are taking steps as a family to prevent type 2 diabetes. Read Latecia’s story >

When Holly found out she had gestational diabetes, she also learned that she and her daughter would have a greater risk for developing diabetes for the rest of their lives. Simple changes have helped her lower their risk. Read Holly’s story >

For Sandra, keeping diabetes at bay is more than just a daily battle. It’s a family mission. Read Sandra’s story >

1

2

3

4

5

Family health history is an important risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

Did you know?

Nearly 29.1 million Americans have diabetes.

8.1 million people with diabetes do not even know that they have this disease.

An estimated 86 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, placing them at increased
risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Having a family history of diabetes places you at
increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

If you are a woman who had gestational diabetes
during pregnancy, you are at increased risk for developing diabetes, and the child
of that pregnancy is at increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

But there is good news! If you are at risk for diabetes, there are things you can
do to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.