Predicting Your Risk for Diabetes

Ivanhoe Newswire
Monday, October 15, 2007; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A high level of C-reactive protein (CRP) can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes along with several commonly known risk factors.

There is growing evidence that low-grade systemic inflammation increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. CRP is a marker of inflammation that can be reduced by taking anti-inflammatory medications.

Researchers from the Netherlands wanted to determine how much effect CRP and other risk factors had on diabetes. They looked at 7,893 adults aged 55 or older and followed them for an average of 10.8 years.

Results show a high serum CRP, Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or more, waist circumference of 40 inches or larger for men and 23 inches or larger for women, current smoking, being age 65 and older, and a family history of diabetes were all related to diabetes and contributed to the risk of the disease. BMI and family history were the strongest risk factors.

The study also revealed modifiable risk factors -- serum CRP, BMI, waist circumference, and current smoking -- made up 71 percent of the diabetes risk.

The authors conclude, High CRP is a major contributor to the risk of type 2 diabetes. The modifiable risk factors studied contribute to two-thirds of the risk of diabetes. A large part of the diabetes cases can be prevented if the modifiable risk factors were eliminated.

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SOURCE: Diabetes Care, 2007;30:2695-2699