Approximately 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes and most of them do not know it. The CDC now projects that on average at least 34.5% of all adults across the United States have prediabetes, and North Carolina may exceed that average. The prevalence jumps higher among adults 65 years or older.
The hemoglobin A1c is a test that measures your average blood sugar over a period of two to three months. It may be performed if you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The test is performed by having a fingerstick blood specimen collected. You will receive the results within minutes of having the test performed.
A BMI (body mass index) calculation estimates your body fat percentage based on your weight and height. Being overweight or obese is strongly correlated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Screening staff will determine your BMI during the screening event.
Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body stops making insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. Without insulin, blood sugar levels get too high. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to stay healthy. It usually starts in children and young adults but can happen at any age. It is not caused by diet or lifestyle and cannot be prevented.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t use insulin properly, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Over time, the body can’t make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. This type of diabetes usually develops in adults but can occur at any age. It is often linked to being overweight, inactive, or having a family history of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through healthy eating, regular exercise, medication, and sometimes insulin. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 can often be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes.
Is a health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but are not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Prediabetes is considered a warning sign of type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes can be reversed my making healthy lifestyle changes. If you are at high risk for type 2 diabetes or have prediabetes it is important to take action now to prevent it progressing to the chronic disease of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a life-long condition that is associated with many complications and increased risk for death. Persons with type 2 diabetes are at risk for significant health effects that can affect the quality and length of life. Some of the complications of type 2 diabetes include: eye problems, foot and leg problems that can lead to amputation, heart attack and stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage and pain, gum disease and other mouth problems, increased risk for infection, and skin conditions with poor wound healing,
Making healthy lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should:
reach and keep a health body weight
stay physically active with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week
eat a healthy diet and avoid sugar and saturated fat
not smoke tobacco.
Type 2 diabetes develops due to a combination of risk factors that can be divided into two categories: nonmodifiable (things you can’t change) and modifiable (things you can change).
Nonmodifiable Risk Factors: These are factors beyond your control but important to be aware of:
Age: Risk increases after age 45.
Sex: Men are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a lower weight and younger age than women.
Family History: Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes increases your risk due to both genetics and environment.
Race/Ethnicity: African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander populations have a higher risk due to both genetic and social determinants of health.
History of Gestational Diabetes: Women who had diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds are at higher risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder in women that increases diabetes risk, regardless of weight.
Modifiable Risk Factors: These are lifestyle and health factors that you can take steps to improve:
Overweight or Obesity: Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance.
Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular movement contributes to weight gain and poor blood sugar control. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week.
Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats can raise your risk.
High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg is associated with greater diabetes risk. High blood pressure or hypertension is associated with insulin resistance and often accompanies metabolic disorders.
Abnormal Cholesterol or Triglyceride Levels: Low HDL (“good” cholesterol) or high triglycerides can increase risk. They are hallmarks of insulin resistance and also increases risk for cardiovascular disease.
Smoking: Tobacco use promotes insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, leading to higher diabetes risk.