Prediabetes

Prediabetes is when the blood sugar is higher than normal but is not high enough to diagnose diabetes. If someone has prediabetes, they are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Most people who have prediabetes do not know it.

Approximately 96 million Americans have prediabetes and most of them do not know they have it.

Without lifestyle changes, up to 1 in 4 will develop Type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

In Maine, it is estimated that nearly 100,000 people are aware that they have prediabetes.

Anyone can develop prediabetes, but some people have a higher risk. A person can have prediabetes for years without any symptoms. The best way to know is to get your blood sugar tested.
A person is at higher risk of developing prediabetes if they are:

Overweight
Over age 45
Physically active less than 3 times a week
A woman who had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome

Race and ethnicity are also a factor: African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, or Asian Americans are at a higher risk for diabetes than Caucasians.

Am I at Risk for Diabetes?

If you know someone who might be at risk, have them take the online quiz to find out. They can then ask their doctor for a blood sugar screening test if their score is 5 or more.

Take the risk test

Get Help

Join a National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), which is proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The National DPP is an evidence-based lifestyle change program, led by US CDC, focused on making small changes over a full year. Participants get support and learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of meeting goals.

Find a local Diabetes Prevention Program near you. There are several programs throughout Maine. You can participate online, virtually or in-person. Check here to see if you might be eligible.

Get expert coaching

The Trained Lifestyle coaches provide expert coaching to help participants lose weight and become more active. Research has shown that losing 5-7% of body weight and participating in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half (more than ⅔ for people over age 60 years).

Find support

It takes time to break old habits and develop new ones. Participants find support and friendship with other people with the same goals. This helps everyone stay motivated.

Have more energy and confidence

The program also helps participants lower their risk of stroke or heart attack, feel more energetic, and may even reverse a diagnosis of prediabetes.

Take Action

Take the Risk Test

Talk to your doctor about your risk test

Find Programs

This website was supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cooperative Agreement Number DP-18-1815. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the U.S. CDC.