Type 2 diabetes is often linked to excess weight.

Leg Link To Diabetes?

In their study, Asao and colleagues checked data from a U.S. health survey given from 1988-1994. Participants included about 3,600 men and 3,800 women aged 40 to 74 years (average age: about 55 years).

The nationally representative survey included physical exams and lab tests. During those checkups, participants' height and leg length were measured.

Being short didn’t affect diabetes risk, after adjusting for other factors. But having a low leg-to-height ratio was associated with a slightly higher risk of type 2 diabetes, based on blood sugar tests given during the checkups, even after weighing other risk factors.

More Established Risk Factors

While the researchers try to figure out the leg length connection, there are plenty of other, more established diabetes risk factors to watch for, including:

Family history of diabetes
Age 45 and older
Being overweight
Sedentary lifestyle
High blood pressure
Abnormal cholesterol levels
History of diabetes during pregnancy
History of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
History of vascular disease, such as stroke
Race or ethnic background (diabetes risk is higher for Hispanics,
blacks, Native Americans, and Asians).
Diabetes Signs

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed. More than 6 million Americans have type 2 diabetes and don’t know it, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.

Warning signs include:

Increased thirst
Increased hunger
Fatigue
Increased urination, especially at night
Weight loss
Blurred vision
Sores that do not heal
See your doctor to get screened for diabetes.