Diabetes Awareness Month

Watch out for warning signs to prevent Type 2 diabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 American adults – 88 million total – have prediabetes. But 90% of them don’t know they have it.

Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but below the range seen in people with Type 2 diabetes, according to the CDC. While those with prediabetes are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, that isn’t the only danger. Prediabetes also puts people at risk for heart disease and stroke.

Risk factors

According to the Mayo Clinic, you are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are overweight
• Are age 45 or older
• Have a diet high in red and processed meat and sugary foods
• Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes
• Smoke

The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can be avoided with the right actions – even if you have prediabetes.

How you can help lower your risk

A healthy diet and regular exercise – 30 minutes a day, five days a week – can help cut your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, even if you have prediabetes. You can reduce your risk even more by quitting smoking and managing your blood pressure and cholesterol.

If you are at risk for having prediabetes, talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Posted: November 3, 2021