Of the 20 million Americans with diabetes, an estimated 95 percent have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset, affects the way a body metabolizes sugar. In a type 2 diabetic, the body is either resistant to the effects of insulin, which is the hormone that helps control cellular absorption of sugar, or it produces less than the needed amount of insulin.

Knowing the risk factors can help with early detection and treatment. This is a condition of maintenance and control.

The type 2 diabetes risk factors to watch out for include:

Weight problems. It is a simple fact that fat can impact the way insulin reacts in the body. The higher the fat content of the abdominal area especially, the more likely a person is to develop type 2 diabetes. Losing weight and maintaining it can help a person avoid the development of type 2 diabetes or control it if they have already been diagnosed.

Genetics: Family history can play a very big role in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Sedentary lifestyle: People who don't get up, get out and get exercising are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. When muscle content is high and fat content is low, the body tends to use sugar or glucose more efficiently. Add cardiovascular, or fat-burning, exercise to the mix and exercise alone can be a powerful tool to ward off or control this condition.

Age: The chances to develop type 2 diabetes increase as a person ages. The risk becomes particularly high in the 40s, especially if weight issues are a factor as well.

Other factors: There are some other risk factors that can come into play. These include gestational, or pregnancy diabetes, some psychological conditions and more.

While it might not be entirely possible to avoid type 2 diabetes, understanding the risk factors and watching out for signs and symptoms of the condition can lead to early diagnosis and control. The earlier diabetes is brought into check, the better.

By Sheryl Emerson

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