Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Key points

  • Prediabetes is a serious health condition, and 1 in 3 US adults has it.
  • With early action, you can reverse prediabetes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
  • Find out if you have a high risk for prediabetes by taking the 1-minute risk test.
Adult woman smiling outside

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.

Ready to find out where you stand? Take the 1-minute prediabetes risk test. If your score shows you have a high risk of prediabetes, visit your doctor for a simple blood test to confirm your result.

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.

Ready to get started?

Find a lifestyle change program near you or online.