Did you know that more than two in five U.S. adults have prediabetes, and about 80% don't know they have it? Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The good news is that prediabetes is often preventable, and in many cases, reversible. Research shows that healthy lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 50%.
Here are some steps to help you reduce your risk of prediabetes:
- Move more: Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Losing just 5-7% of your body weight can make a significant difference in lowering diabetes risk.
- Choose balanced meals: Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats while limiting sugary drinks and highly processed foods.
- Know your numbers: Regular wellness visits and blood sugar screenings are important, especially if you have risk factors for diabetes. An A1C test measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months and can help identify your risk. A1C ranges:
- Normal: Below 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
Small, consistent lifestyle changes today can have a big impact on your future health.
The November Resources (ZIP) below includes materials that can be shared with your groups.
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