According to the CDC, more than 88 million US adults have prediabetes and 90% of them don’t know they have it. That’s more than 1 in 3 people.
Prediabetes is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes is a serious health condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. A person with prediabetes is at high risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The good news is that by making small healthy lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes and even reverse your prediabetes. Taking small steps, such as eating less and moving more to lose weight, can help you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and related health problems.
Weight control is an important part of diabetes prevention. You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 10% of your current weight.
Follow a healthy eating plan. Limit sugary drinks and foods high in saturated fats. View these easy 5210 guidelines.
Get regular exercise. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. If you have not been active, talk with your health care professional.
Moderate your alcohol intake. Heavy use of alcohol can cause inflammation in the pancreas and limit its ability to produce enough insulin. Alcohol can cause liver damage and adds more sugar and starch to your diet that must either be used or stored as fat. Read these FAQs and Guidelines
Don’t smoke. Smoking can contribute to insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Read these Diabetes Myth Busters
Who is at risk for type 2 diabetes?
Many Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Your chances of getting it depend on a combination of risk factors such as your genes and lifestyle.
You’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- Have prediabetes
- Are overweight
- Are 45 years or older
- Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than 3 times a week
- Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
- Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native (some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are also at higher risk)
If you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease you may also be at risk for type 2 diabetes.
You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with simple, proven lifestyle changes such as losing weight if you’re overweight, eating healthier, and getting regular physical activity.
