Type 2 diabetes: Average age of onset, risk factors, prevention Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe The average age of onset for type 2 diabetesMedically reviewed by Marina Basina, M.D. — By Jennifer Huizen — Updated on September 25, 2022The onset of type 2 diabetes is most common in people aged 45–64. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90–95% of the adult diagnoses of diabetes in the United States. Individual diagnoses vary too much to pinpoint an exact age of onset for type 2 diabetes. However, there is evidence that the likelihood of developing the condition increases drastically after age 45. Read on to learn more about age and diabetes onset. Average age of onset for type 2 diabetes Share on PinterestHinterhaus Productions/Getty ImagesThe American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends annual diabetes screening tests for people aged 35 and older. However, the development of the condition depends on too many other factors to accurately predict on an individual basis. A broad mix of health and lifestyle factors can influence the condition’s progression. Many people have diabetes for years without knowing it. This causes a wide variation between the age of onset and age at diagnosis. Some estimates claim that 1 in 5 people with diabetes do not know they have it. Also, many national surveys and studies do not distinguish between rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults aged 45–64 receive the majority of new diabetes diagnoses in the U.S. Age and diabetes While it might not be possible to define a set age for the onset of type 2 diabetes, a person’s age greatly increases the risk of developing the condition. According to the 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report, about 13% of U.S. adults aged 18 and older had diabetes in 2015. Elsewhere, a 2016 meta-analysis found that the rates of type 2 diabetes were up to 7 times higher in Chinese adults aged 55–74 than in 20- to 34-year-olds. The ADA reports that 29.2% of those over 65 years old in the U.S. may have diabetes, whether diagnosed or not. Risk factors Common factors that can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes include:age of 45 or olderoverweight statusexcess abdominal fatpoor diet, especially one high in fats and added or refined sugarsa sedentary lifestylefamily history of diabetesdiabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)high levels of fats called triglycerideslow levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterolhigh blood pressurehistory of heart disease or strokeliver diseasekidney diseasepolycystic ovary syndromedepression These factors impact blood glucose, either directly or indirectly, over time. Learn more about the risk factors for all types of diabetes here. Sex race or ethnic background Differences in the chances of developing type 2 diabetes and the age of diagnosis may also depend on sex, race, or ethnic background. Sex differences Studies suggest that women have higher rates of diabetes during youth and adolescence than men. However, men have higher rates of diabetes diagnosis in middle adulthood. Rates of diabetes in late adulthood are similar. Race and ethnicity Black American adults are almost twice as likely as white American adults to develop type 2 diabetes. Higher obesity rates in African American adults are a likely factor in this disparity. However, many other factors may contribute to Black American adults having a higher risk of diabetes, including:less access to fresh produceeconomic barriers to healthcare and treatmentless access to health education Learn more about diabetes in African Americans here. Current rates of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. among people of various races or ethnic backgrounds are as follows:14.5% of Native American and Alaskan Native people12.1% of non-Hispanic Black people11.8% of Hispanic people9.5% of Asian American people7.4% of non-Hispanic white people Learn more about diabetes in People of Color here. Prevention The symptoms of type 2 diabetes, such as increased thirst, hunger, and fatigue, do not often present until a person’s blood sugar levels are extremely high. Taking steps to prevent diabetes is vital, as the condition may advance in the time before a person becomes aware of it. Ways to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes include:doing light-to-moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, including daily activitymaintaining a nutritious, balanced dietcutting down on consumption of simple sugars, excess sugars, and fatsmonitoring carbohydrate intakeeating smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large mealslosing 5–7% of one’s total body weightmonitoring and regulating blood glucose levelsattempting to manage stress to reduce levels of the hormone cortisolstaying hydratedincreasing fiber intakemaintaining a regular sleep schedule to reduce the release of stress hormones As the body ages, nutrition requirements change and the risk of injury increases. Staying active in older age can help delay the onset of age-related conditions such as diabetes. Nevertheless, people should start undergoing tests for diabetes every year once they reach age 35. If these tests show type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, people can start making adjustments sooner. Those at greater risk of diabetes can make certain dietary choices to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. As long as they stay mindful of portion sizes and plan meals carefully, people with type 2 diabetes can still eat their favorite foods. Summary Age is a key factor in type 2 diabetes risk. Most people with type 2 diabetes receive a diagnosis at ages 45–64. Sex, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors can also affect a person’s risk of developing the condition. Lifestyle adjustments and medication programs can help people manage type 2 diabetes. Frequently asked questions Below are some frequently asked questions about diabetes onset. Can a person have diabetes from birth In very rare cases, a person can have diabetes from birth. Doctors refer to this as neonatal diabetes. It is the result of genetic changes. Can I get type 2 diabetes in my 20s It is possible to get diabetes at any age. However, the condition is less common in people younger than 45 years of age. Is diabetes common in 30-year-olds Diabetes is more common in older adults. However, 4.2% of U.S. adults aged 18–44 have diabetes. The ADA recommends annual screening for people aged 35 and older. Does race impact diabetes onset Diabetes is more prevalent among people of certain races and ethnicities. In the U.S., the prevalence of diabetes in various groups is as follows:14.5% of Native American and Alaskan Native people12.1% of non-Hispanic Black people11.8% of Hispanic people9.5% of Asian American people7.4% of non-Hispanic white people Read this article in Spanish. Last medically reviewed on September 25, 2022DiabetesType 2Nutrition / DietSeniors / Aging 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Bancks, M. P., et al. (2017). Association of modifiable risk factors in young adulthood with racial disparity in incident type 2 diabetes during middle adulthood.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5820714/Diabetes basics. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/index.htmlHow much physical activity do older adults need? (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/index.htmHuebschmann, A. G., et al. (2019). Sex differences in the burden of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk across the life course.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7008947/Latest ADA annual Standards of Care includes changes to diabetes screening, first-line therapy, pregnancy, and technology [Press release]. (2021).https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/2021/latest-ada-annual-standards-of-care-includes-changes-to-diabetes-screening-first-line-therapy-pregnancy-technologyNational diabetes statistics report, 2020: Estimates of diabetes and its burden in the United States. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/statistics/national-diabetes-statistics-report.pdfPhysical activity guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. (2018).https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdfPreventing type 2 diabetes. (2016). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-type-2-diabetes%EF%BB%BFStatistics about diabetes. (2022).http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/Yang, L., et al. (2016). Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among inland residents in China (2000–2014): A meta‐analysis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5089946/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Marina Basina, M.D. — By Jennifer Huizen — Updated on September 25, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageStatistics and facts about type 2 diabetesMedically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN Type 2 diabetes is a major health concern in the United States and globally. 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