Skip to Content
800-533-8762
UPMC Logo
Skip to Content
UPMC Logo

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

What is Pre-Diabetes?

People who are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes may have a condition known as pre-diabetes.

When you have pre-diabetes, your blood glucose is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diabetes.

The problem is that this condition puts you in danger of developing type 2 diabetes — a very serious disease that can have negative effects on your health. Most people who have pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

Pre-diabetes can have bad effects on your health as well.

For example, people with pre-diabetes have 1.5 times more risk of heart and blood vessel diseases, such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack

The good news is, type 2 diabetes is a disease that can be prevented.

Testing for Pre-Diabetes

Ask your doctor about pre-diabetes testing. Your doctor will tell you if you should have a test.

Here are the test guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA):

Testing is strongly recommended if you are:

  • Over age 45 and overweight

You should consider testing if you are:

  • Over age 45
  • Under age 45 and overweight
  • Under age 45 and have one or more risk factors

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

When you have pre-diabetes and make even small lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

Making small changes to your diet and incorporating physical activity into your daily life can make a big difference.

You should always talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet or starting any physical activity routine.