What is prediabetes?

ABOUT PREDIABETES

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes increases a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

One in three U.S. adults—nearly 88 million Americans—are estimated to have prediabetes, of which 8 out of 10 are unaware. A recent study found that 46% of adults in San Diego are on the path to diabetes.


WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a chronic condition with complications that can drastically affect both quality of life and life expectancy. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases and is directly associated with age, obesity, physical inactivity, family history of diabetes, and/or a personal history of gestational diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes can lead to many serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Type 2 diabetes can be delayed—or even prevented—by making two lifestyle changes: losing weight and increasing physical activity.

Learn more about the different types of diabetes.