Prediabetes is a serious health condition where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes, but the majority of people don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The good news is that by making healthy lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent type 2 diabetes and even reverse prediabetes.
Learn more about prediabetes and the small steps that can make a big difference in preventing type 2 diabetes: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/community-health-outreach/national-diabetes-month
Transcript:
Small steps, big difference: preventing diabetes is within your reach.
Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
More than 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes. That’s 88 million people. But most don’t know they have it, and there are usually no symptoms.
People with prediabetes have a 50 percent chance of developing diabetes over the next 5 to 10 years.
But making healthy lifestyle changes can make a difference. You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, and you can even manage or reverse your prediabetes.
Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. Start slowly and build up to your goal.
Consume healthier foods and drinks most of the time. Choose foods that are high in fiber and low in fat and sugar. You can also try smaller portions of food.
Lose weight, track it, and keep it off. NIH studies show that losing 5 to 7 percent of your weight can help reduce your chance of developing diabetes.
Work with your doctor or health care team to manage your prediabetes and improve your overall health.
Stay up to date on vaccinations. Vaccines can help you stay healthy.
Healthy lifestyle changes, taken in small steps, can make a big difference.
Preventing diabetes is within your reach. Visit niddk.nih.gov to learn more.