What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes means a person's blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal, but not high enough yet for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, prediabetes can progress into type 2 diabetes. And if 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes, that means it could be you, your favorite sibling, or your other sibling. Or you, your barber, your barber's barber. Or you—well, you get the picture. It's time to take the risk test to know where you stand.
Undo Prediabetes
- Set manageable goals and stick to a plan.
- Losing just 5-7 percent of your body weight can make the difference in reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Be active, eat healthy, and manage your weight.
- Start small. Then slowly add changes to your diet and exercise routine. Rome wasn't built in a day.
- Keep a food diary to track what you eat.
- You don't have to do this alone—work with friends, coworkers, and family members.
- Make physical activity a priority.
- Ditch the elevator. Take the stairs.
- Get at least 2.5 hours of moderately intense activity every week. Taking 30-minute walks 5 days per week is a good goal.
- Create an exercise schedule – and then try to stick to it!
- Close parking spots are not the best parking spots. Small steps lead to big changes.
- Cut back on calories and fat.
- Roast, broil, grill, steam, or bake. Avoid frying.
- Low-fat doesn't mean low-flavor. Spice it up with herbs and spices.
- Reading an article about the best fictional princesses? Skip. Reading food labels? Do. Not. Skip.
- Work salads into your meal routine. They can be delicious!
- Make a list of all the reasons to quit smoking. (There are a lot!)
- Consult with your doctor about treatments or programs that can help.
- Try quitting with a friend. Having the support of someone who understands can make a big difference.
- For free help with quitting, call 1-866-SD QUITS (1-866-737-8487) or visit sdquitline.com.