Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented?

Yes! You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with proven, achievable lifestyle changes even if you’re at high risk.

What is Prediabetes?

Could you have prediabetes? Take the risk test.

Before developing type 2 diabetes, most people have prediabetes; their blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough yet for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes is really common—more than 84 million US adults have it, though 90% of them don’t know they do. The good news is that prediabetes can be reversed.

Ready to see where you stand? Take the 1-minute prediabetes risk test. If your score shows your risk is high, visit your doctor for a simple blood test to confirm your result.

Join a Lifestyle Change Program

If your blood test confirms you have prediabetes, join a CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program to learn how to make lasting lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes:

Work with a trained lifestyle coach, who will help you take small, manageable steps that fit in your schedule and in your life.
Discover how to eat healthy and add more physical activity into your day.
Find out how to manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can slow your progress.

Learn more about the National DPP lifestyle change program, and find a class near you (or online).

on your way to preventing diabetes guide

Get the Guide:
On Your Way to Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Not quite ready to join a lifestyle change program, or waiting for your class to begin? Get started with On Your Way to Preventing Type 2 Diabetes, a practical guide for taking small steps that add up to a healthy lifestyle you can stick with.

Prevention Tips for Parents

Not long ago, it was almost unheard of for young children or teens to get type 2 diabetes. Now, about one-third of American youth are overweight, which is directly related to the increase in kids who have type 2 diabetes, some as young as 10 years old.

Parents have the power to make healthy changes that give kids the best chance to prevent type 2 diabetes. And when the whole family makes changes together, it’s easier to create healthy habits that stick. Get started with these simple but effective tips for healthy eating and being active family style.

Learn More