The onset of diabetes is most common in people ages 45 to 64. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It usually appears after the age of 45 but can occur at any age.

Individual diagnoses vary too much to pinpoint an exact ageTrusted Source of onset for type 2 diabetes. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, 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.

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The development of diabetes 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, causing a wide variation between the age of onset and age at diagnosis.

Also, many national surveys and studies do not distinguish between rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults.

The National Diabetes Statistics Report notes that almost 23% of adultsTrusted Source with diabetes who met laboratory criteria for the condition were not aware of or did not report having diabetes.

According to this report, adults ages 45 to 64 receive the most new diabetes diagnoses in the United States.

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 most recent National Diabetes Statistics Report, about 14.7%Trusted Source of United States adults ages 18 and older had diabetes in 2021.

Elsewhere, an older 2016 meta-analysisTrusted Source found that the rates of type 2 diabetes were up to 7 times higher in Chinese adults ages 55 to 74 than in 20- to 34-year-olds.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that 29.2% of those over 65 years old in the United States may have diabetes, whether diagnosed or not.

Common factors that can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes include:

These factors affect blood glucose, either directly or indirectly, over time.

The differences in the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and the age of diagnosis may also depend on sex assigned at birth, race, or ethnic background.

Sex differences

Studies suggestTrusted Source that females have higher rates of diabetes during youth and adolescence than males. However, males 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 1.5 times as likelyTrusted Source 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 produce
  • economic barriers to healthcare and treatment
  • less access to health education

According to the ADA, current rates of diagnosed diabetes in the United States among people of various races or ethnic backgrounds are as follows:

  • 13.6% of Native American and Alaskan Native people
  • 12.1% of non-Hispanic Black people
  • 11.7% of Hispanic people
  • 9.1% of Asian American people
  • 6.9% of non-Hispanic white people

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 progress 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 weekTrusted Source, including daily activity
  • maintaining a nutritious, balanced diet
  • cutting down on the consumption of simple sugars, excess sugars, and fats
  • monitoring carbohydrate intake
  • eating smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals
  • losing 5% to 7%Trusted Source of a person’s total body weight, if necessary
  • monitoring and regulating blood glucose levels
  • attempting to manage stress to reduce levels of the hormone cortisol
  • staying hydrated
  • increasing fiber intake
  • maintaining 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 at an older age can help delay the onset of age-related conditions such as diabetes.

People may need to start undergoing screening tests for diabetes as they get older. If these tests show type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, individuals can start making adjustments sooner.

Those at greater risk of diabetes can make certain dietary choices to help maintain optimal blood sugar levels. As long as they stay mindful of portion sizes and plan meals carefully, those with type 2 diabetes can still eat their favorite foods.

Can a person have diabetes from birth?

In very rare casesTrusted Source, a person can have diabetes from birth. Doctors refer to this as neonatal diabetes, and it occurs due to 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 ageTrusted Source.

Is diabetes common in 30-year-olds?

Diabetes is more common in older adults. However, 4.8% of United States adultsTrusted Source ages 18 to 44 have diabetes.

Does race affect diabetes onset?

Diabetes is more common among people of certain races and ethnicities. In the United States, the prevalence of the condition in various groups is as follows:

  • 13.6% of Native American and Alaskan Native people
  • 12.1% of non-Hispanic Black people
  • 11.7% of Hispanic people
  • 9.1% of Asian American people
  • 6.9% of non-Hispanic white people

Age is a key factor in type 2 diabetes risk. Most people with type 2 diabetes receive a diagnosis at ages 45 to 64Trusted Source.

Sex, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors can also affect a person’s risk of developing the condition.

However, lifestyle adjustments and medication can help people manage type 2 diabetes.