Information from the National Diabetes Education Program
Nearly 29.1 million Americans have diabetes, a serious disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are above normal. Most people with diabetes have type 2, which used to be called adult-onset diabetes. At one time, type 2 diabetes was more common in people over age 45, but now more young people, even children, have the disease because many are overweight or obese.
Diabetes can lead to problems such as heart disease, stroke, vision loss, kidney disease, and nerve damage. One out of four people do not know they have diabetes. Many people do not find out they have diabetes until they are faced with problems such as blurry vision or heart trouble, that is why you need to know if you are at risk for diabetes.
What is prediabetes?
An estimated 86 million Americans over the age of 20 have prediabetes. Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they usually have “prediabetes,” that means their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be called diabetes. People with prediabetes are more likely to develop diabetes within 10 years, and they are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
Diabetes prevention is proven, possible, and powerful.
Studies show that people at high risk for diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by losing five to seven percent of their weight. If they are overweight, that is 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person.
Two keys to success
- Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week.
- Eat a variety of foods that are low in fat and reduce the number of calories you eat per day.
In other words, you do not have to knock yourself out to prevent diabetes.
Have you wondered or possibly been told that you are at risk for developing diabetes or that you have prediabetes? To find out more about which factors put you at risk, go to the “Diabetes Risk Factors” checklist on our website. If you have not already done so, be sure to talk with your healthcare team about your risk, and if you should be tested.
How can I prevent type 2 diabetes?
NDEP provides resources to help you make lifestyle changes to prevent type 2 diabetes. In addition, the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offers communities lifestyle-change programs based on the landmark NIH-led Diabetes Prevention Program study. Participants work with a lifestyle coach in a group setting to receive a one-year lifestyle change program that includes 16 core sessions (usually one per week) and six post-core sessions (one per month). To find out more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program, including the location of a program near you, please visit our website.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is jointly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the support of more than 200 partner organizations. Visit niddk.nih.gov
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