Prevent Type 2 Diabetes with the PreventT2 Program
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (sugar) for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help move glucose where it needs to go in our bodies. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t use its own insulin very well. This causes sugar to build up in your blood, which can cause major damage to your body.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a blood glucose (sugar) level that is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. One in three American adults has prediabetes, and most do not even know they have it!
If you ignore prediabetes, you may develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.
Am I at Risk for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes?
You are at more risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if you:
• Are 45 years of age or older;
• Are overweight;
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes;
• Are physically active fewer than three times per week; or
• Ever had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes).
If you think you may be at risk, a health care provider can do a blood test to see if you have diabetes or prediabetes.