My mom has type 2 diabetes, so does that mean I'll get it?

[Katherine]

My mother has had type 2 diabetes for years, and I'm worried that I may get the disease too. What are my chances of getting it, should I get tested, and is there anything I can do to prevent it?

I was given a few suggestions when I asked the question in Family history for diabetes

Please give me more info.

Regards,
Kathy

[Joan McBitch]

Preventing Type 2 diabetes is possible. If not prevented, absolutely delayed. Losing 5 to 7 percent of your body fat is a good start. Getting tested is going to help you find out whether or not you need to take big or small steps in counteracting your worry. Find out what your blood glucose is after a meal & you'll find out how well your insulin production is getting along. I know 'lose some weight' is a terrible way to encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle, but you know that this disease is in your family & taking this step can mean a healthier and longer life without serious complications from the disease such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputations.