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 prediabetes, 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
Nearly 26 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.
Gestational Diabetes
If you had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, you and your child have a lifelong risk for getting diabetes. Learn what you can do to lower your risk.
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.
Diabetes HealthSense
Find tools and programs that can help you with making lifestyle and behavior changes. Diabetes HealthSense also includes research articles on lifestyle changes and behavioral strategies.
Family Health History
Family health history is an important risk factor for developing a number of serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes. In fact, most people with type 2 diabetes have a family member – such as a mother, father, brother, or sister – with the disease.
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 and it includes an activity tracker and a fat and calorie counter.
It's Not Too Late to Prevent Diabetes
(NDEP-75)
This tip sheet helps older adults at risk for type 2 diabetes move more and eat less to lower their risk for diabetes.
Choose More than 50 Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
(NDEP-71)
This tip sheet helps African Americans at risk for type 2 diabetes find ways to move more, make healthy food choices, and track their progress with making lifestyle changes to lower their risk.
This publication has been reviewed by NDEP for health literacy.
Resources
Diabetes Prevention Program Study
A study funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to determine the safety and efficacy of two interventions in preventing or delaying the confirmed development of diabetes. The objective of the study is to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes among persons ...
Diabetes Risk Test
Could you have diabetes and not know it? One in four Americans with diabetes has it and doesn’t know it. Take this test to see if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Group Lifestyle Balance Program Materials
These materials from the University of Pittsburgh provide education, encouragement, and the tools necessary to help individuals reach their health goals and prevent diabetes.
