by Patricia Maddix
Yes, you could. Let’s look at some surprising statistics. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 98 million American adults have prediabetes. This is nearly 40% of adults, but 80% do not know it. Fifty percent of adults over 65 have prediabetes. Nearly 40 million Americans have an actual diagnosis of diabetes. One in 10 adults have diabetes, and 1 in 4 people over 65 have diabetes. This epidemic continues to grow, with someone in the U.S. being diagnosed every 26 seconds.
It is very possible that you or close family and friends have either prediabetes or diabetes. Why is it important? Prediabetes can very easily progress to Type 2 diabetes, and this can involve other unwanted health issues such as high blood pressure, high blood lipids, heart problems, eye problems, kidney problems, etc. Even with the high incidence of diabetes in the population, there may be a number of things you can do to prevent the condition.
First, let’s define what blood glucose levels are associated with the different stages of diabetes. Adults should be getting regular blood work done when they have an annual check-up. When a person has fasted overnight, their blood glucose should be below 100. 100-124 is considered to be prediabetes, and 125 and above is a diagnosis of diabetes if it is confirmed on a second test. Hopefully, your number is in the normal range. Even so, you might want to take the quick questionnaire on the CDC website that can assess your risk for developing prediabetes. Go to DoIhaveprediabetes.org.
So, if you are at risk for developing prediabetes or diabetes, is there anything you can do to lower that risk or is it just a matter of luck? Yes, there are definitely things you can do, and the earlier you take action, the better.
Here is some valuable information from Diatribe.org from their May 26, 2026 newsletter:
More than half of Type 2 cases may be preventable, study suggests
Type 2 diabetes may feel like a matter of luck, especially if diabetes runs in the family. It’s easy to wonder if genetics tells the whole story or whether day-to-day choices meaningfully affect risk.
A large study looked at 332,000 adults without diabetes and examined how genetic risk and lifestyle factors worked together. Over about 14 years, researchers found higher body mass index, smoking, less physical activity and diet quality were linked with a higher risk of Type 2 even when genetic risk was taken into account.
(Editor’s Note: For more information about the study, visit HYPERLINK "https://www.umass.edu/public-health-sciences/news/over-half-type-2-diab…"https://www.umass.edu/public-health-sciences/news/over-half-type-2-diab….)
Why it matters
If you have a family history of Type 2 diabetes, or have been told you are at higher risk, these findings could help. Talk with your healthcare provider about screening for Type 2 and, if relevant, weight management support, smoking cessation and ways to add regular physical activity that feel realistic for you. Those at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes deserve support tools and clear guidance that can make a difference.
Brenda Jagatic, a diabetes educator who spoke to ACBDA at our summer convention, outlined the following steps a person can take to lower the risk of diabetes:
- Lower body weight by 5-7% if indicated.
- Limit high sugar and highly processed foods. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean/low-fat proteins and dairy, and healthy fats in meals and snacks.
- Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.
- Get adequate sleep, 7-9 hours.
- Use stress management tools.
In conclusion, there are many things you can do to lower your risk for developing diabetes, and these same lifestyle measures are beneficial for people who have a diagnosis of diabetes. Even non-diabetic members of the family will benefit from these healthy habits.
Healthy lifestyle changes are not easy to accomplish, so if you are interested in individual or group classes and support, check out the Diabetes Prevention Program sponsored by CDC.gov. These are available throughout the U.S. both in person and virtually.