What is prediabetes?
Before developing type 2 diabetes, most people have prediabetes. This is when their blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough yet for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. In the United States, about 98 million adults have prediabetes; that’s 1 in 3 people.
There are usually no signs when you have prediabetes, which is why 81% of people don’t know they have it. You can have prediabetes for years and not know.
You can reverse prediabetes
You can reverse prediabetes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with proven, achievable lifestyle changes—such as losing a small amount of weight, making healthy eating choices, and getting more physically active.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop prediabetes at any age, but you may have a higher risk if you:
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
- Are over age 45.
- Have overweight or obesity.
- Had gestational diabetes (diabetes when pregnant).
- Have high blood pressure.
- Are a Hispanic/Latino, Black, Asian American, or Native American person.
Join the lifestyle change program
If your doctor confirms you have prediabetes, join the CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program. You’ll learn how to make lasting lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes:
- Work with a trained Lifestyle Coach, who will help you take small, manageable steps that fit into your life.
- Discover how to eat healthy and add more physical activity into your day.
- Find out how to manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems to maintain your progress.
