(NC) — Your risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes – a potentially life-threatening condition – are based on your genes and your lifestyle. While you can't change your genes, you can improve your lifestyle to reduce the risk. Here are some tips which can help:

Know Your Body Mass Index (BMI). Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. As such, knowing if your BMI is too high is important. To check your BMI, complete the CANRISK diabetes questionnaire at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca, or at Shoppers Drug Mart/ Pharmaprix, Pharmasave, Rexall, and Loblaw pharmacies.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet.Eatingmore fruits and vegetables and foods that are rich in fibre, low in sugar, and low in fat can help you maintain or lose weight. Also, be sure to monitor portion sizes to make sure you are not overeating.

Be physically active.Increasing physical activity can control your weight and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The Agency has tips for physical activity at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Manage high blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose (sugar) levels.Studies show that managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose (sugar) levels can substantially reduce the risk of diabetes complications, such as heart disease and stroke. A healthcare provider can help you monitor these items.

Discuss your risk factors and CANRISK results with your health care provider. You can have type 2 diabetes, but you may not notice any symptoms. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to prevent or manage diabetes.

To learn more about type 2 diabetes, you can take the Public Health Agency of Canada's CANRISK questionnaire at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca, or at Shoppers Drug Mart/ Pharmaprix, Pharmasave, Rexall, Loblaw pharmacies, or through a free app through the Apple store. You can also obtain Your Guide to Diabetes at the Agency's website or by calling 1-800-O-Canada.

Both CANRISK and Your Guide to Diabetes are available in 11 alternate languages: Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, Korean, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Urdu, Gujarati, Tamil, Tagalog, Farsi, and Spanish, which can be ordered through e-mail at PSD-DPS@phac-aspc.gc.ca.