It's true. It is common. And most importantly, it is reversible. You can prevent or delay prediabetes from turning into type 2 diabetes with simple, proven lifestyle changes.
Incredible, but true: About 98 million American adults – 1 in 3 – have thisprediabetes. Moreover, more than 8 in 10 people with prediabetes do not know they have it. Could it be you? Read on to find out the facts and what you can do to stay healthy.
Prediabetes is a big problem
Don't let the 'before' fool you. Prediabetes is a serious health condition. People with prediabetes have higher blood sugar levels than normal, but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Prediabetes flies under the radar
You can have prediabetes for years without complaints. This means that you probably won't know you have prediabetes until serious health problems arise. Talk to your doctor about having your blood sugar tested if you have any of the risk factors for prediabetes, including:
- Being overweight
- be 45 years or older
- If you have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Be physically active less than 3 times a week
- Have you ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds?
Race and ethnicity are also a factor. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at greater risk.
Ready to find outVANrisk? day that1 minute prediabetes risk testand be sure to share the results with your doctor.
Diabetes is harder to live with than prediabetes
People with prediabetes have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. The risk of serious health problems increases even more for people with diabetes.
Diabetes affects every major organ in the body. People with diabetes often grow upcomplications, including kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage. Nerve damage can lead to amputation (surgical removal) of a toe, foot, or leg. Having diabetes can also double the risk of depression. That risk increases as more diabetes-related health problems arise. All this can significantly reduce the quality of life.
Prediabetes = Predeaeratediabetes
Think of prediabetes as a fork in the road. Ignoring this increases your risk of type 2 diabetes. If you lose a modest amount of weight and exercise regularly, your risk decreases. Modest weight loss means 5% to 7% of body weight, only 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Regular physical activity means walking briskly or doing a similar activity for at least 150 minutes per week. It's just 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
CDC-ledNational Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP)can help people make the lifestyle changes needed to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Through the program, participants have:
- Work with a trained coach to make lasting lifestyle changes.
- Find out how to eat healthy and add more physical activity to your day.
- Find out how to manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can slow progress.
If you have prediabetes, ask your healthcare provider about the National DPP Lifestyle Change Program. The best time to prevent type 2 diabetes is now.
Type 1 and Type 2: Not the same
Many people are not aware of ittype 1Inkind 2are different types of diabetes.
- About 90%-95% of people with diabetes have type 2; about 5% have type 1.
- Type 1 is believed to be caused by an immune reaction and cannot yet be prevented. Type 2 can be prevented or delayed by lifestyle changes.
- Type 1 often has a rapid onset and severe symptoms; type 2 is gradual and develops over many years.
- Type 1 usually occurs in children, teenagers and young adults. Type 2 occurs most often in older people, but is becoming increasingly common in children, teenagers and young adults.
- People with type 1 need insulin every day to survive.
- Prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, but not type 1.
Recipe for prevention: healthy diet and physical activity.
