Am I at Risk? (en Español)
If you have wondered or possibly been told that you are at risk for developing diabetes or that you have pre-diabetes, you should know that 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 5 to 7 percent of their weight, if they are overweight—that’s 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 don’t have to knock yourself out to prevent diabetes. The key is: small steps that lead to big rewards. Learn more about your risk for developing type 2 diabetes and the small steps you can take to delay or prevent the disease and live a long, healthy life.
Diabetes Risk Factors
There are many factors that increase your risk for diabetes. To find out about your risk, note each item on this list that applies to you.
Diabetes Is Preventable
Almost 24 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.
Take Small Steps to Prevent Diabetes
When you take steps to prevent diabetes, you will also lower your risk for possible complications of diabetes such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, and other health problems. That’s a big reward for you and your family and friends.
Publications
Small Steps. Big Rewards. Your GAME PLAN to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes: Information for Patients
(NDEP-60)
This three-booklet package helps people assess their risk for developing diabetes and implement a program to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. Includes an activity tracker and a fat and calorie counter.
It's Not Too Late to Prevent Diabetes
(NDEP-75)
Tips to help older adults at risk for type 2 diabetes move more and eat less and lower their risk for diabetes.
More than 50 Ways to Prevent Diabetes
(NDEP-71)
Tips to help African Americans at risk for type 2 diabetes move more and eat less to lower their risk for diabetes.
