Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented?

Yes! You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with proven, achievable lifestyle changes—such as losing a small amount of weight and getting more physically active—even if you’re at high risk. Read on to find out about CDC’s lifestyle change program and how you can join.

What is Prediabetes?

Before developing type 2 diabetes, most people have prediabetes; their blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough yet for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes is really common – 96 million US adults have it, though more than 80% of them don’t know they do. The good news is that prediabetes can be reversed.

Join the Lifestyle Change Program

If your blood test confirms you have prediabetes, join the CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program to 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 in your schedule and in 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 that can slow your progress.

Prevention Tips for Parents

Not long ago, it was almost unheard of for young children or teens to get type 2 diabetes. Now, about one-third of American youth are overweight, which is directly related to the increase in kids who have type 2 diabetes, some as young as 10 years old.

Parents have the power to make healthy changes that give kids the best chance to prevent type 2 diabetes. And when the whole family makes changes together, it’s easier to create healthy habits that stick. Get started with these simple but effective tips for healthy eating and being active family style.

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention