Is Type 2 Diabetes Hereditary?

I'm a woman and diabetes runs in my family. So I've made an effort to watch what I eat, keep my weight down, and exercise. But now I've read that with a family history, my risk of pre-diabetes is increased - even if I'm slim. How can I prevent this?

Type 2 diabetes does run in families. Genetics plays a part in increasing one's risk for developing the disease but there are other risk factors involved.

Lifestyle also influences the development of type 2 diabetes. A study called the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) found that high-risk people can delay or avoid developing type 2 diabetes by losing weight through regular physical activity and eating a diet low in fat and calories and high in fiber.

What you are doing is important in preventing or delaying the development of diabetes.