What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is the condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diabetes. People with prediabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
In Maryland, 1.6 million adults are estimated to have prediabetes. Only about 1 in 10 people are aware they have prediabetes.
People at risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the disease by making modest lifestyle changes that include weight loss and physical activity. In Maryland people with prediabetes can take a National Diabetes Prevention Program class.
Am I at risk for diabetes?
If you have these risk factors, you may be a high risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
- You are overweight
- You are 45 years of age or older
- You have high blood pressure
- Your parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes
- You are physically active fewer than 3 times per week
- You had diabetes while pregnant called gestational diabetes
Race and ethnicity also affect your risk. African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes.
Take the quiz to learn more about your risk.
Talk to Your Doctor if You are at High Risk
If you score five or more on the prediabetes quiz, talk to your doctor. Only your doctor can say for sure if you have prediabetes or diabetes. Your doctor will do a blood test to confirm your result. Ask your doctor if a lifestyle change program or diabetes prevention program is right for you.
Try the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) 
If you have prediabetes, a
National DPP lifestyle change program may be for you. It can help you lose weight, become more active, and recent or delay type 2 diabetes. Learn more about the program and
join one near you today. where you will learn, share, and try new things, all while developing new habits and improving your health.
