The major risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus are the following:
• Age greater than 45 years (though type 2 diabetes mellitus is occurring with increasing frequency in young individuals)
• Weight greater than 120% of desirable body weight
• Family history of type 2 diabetes in a first-degree relative (eg, parent or sibling)
• Hispanic, Native American, African American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander descent
• History of previous impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose
• Hypertension (>140/90 mm Hg) or dyslipidemia (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level <40 mg/dL or triglyceride level >150 mg/dL)
• History of gestational diabetes mellitus or of delivering a baby with a birth weight of over 9 lb
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (which results in insulin resistance)
I do include elevated lead levels because lead is associated with Type II diabetes. When you remove the lead, blood sugar levels become stabilized. Test your heavy metal status. Schedule your environmental exposure consult this week.
Some studies suggest that environmental pollutants may play a role in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Which of the following fasting blood glucose levels signifies prediabetes?