Preventing Diabetes

Preventing Diabetes

What is Pre-Diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. You may have also heard it called “borderline diabetes.”  

If your fasting blood glucose is 100-125 mg/mL or your A1C is 5.7-6.4 percent, then you probably have pre-diabetes. Without making any changes, you could go on to develop type 2 diabetes. 

You may also be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you:

  • Are 45 years or older
  • Had gestational diabetes
  • Have a BMI ≥ 25
  • Have an immediate family member with diabetes
  • Are physically active less than 3x/week
  • Are African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian or Pacific Islander

Studies show that people at risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by:

  • Losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight
  • Being active for 150 minutes every week

In other words: you don't have to knock yourself out to prevent diabetes. The key is: small steps that lead to big rewards!

There are classes that can help you if you have pre-diabetes.  Find your local diabetes education program or a diabetes prevention class near you.