It’s important to know if you have prediabetes so that you can take action now to avoid getting full-blown type 2 diabetes. If you haven’t done so already, take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test to find out if you are at risk.
I have taken the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and it says I may have prediabetes or that I am at a risk for type 2 diabetes…now what?
If your test results say that you might have prediabetes, it’s important to get the results confirmed by a health care provider and take steps to reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is reversible, so it’s important to take charge of your health.
- Share the results of your Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test with your doctor or health care provider
He/she may test your blood sugar to confirm your status and make recommendations to help you reduce your risk of getting type 2.
- Make healthy lifestyle changes
If you have prediabetes, there are steps you can take to avoid getting type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes can be reversed by making everyday changes to your lifestyle, like eating nutritious foods and being physically active.
- Join a lifestyle change program
Joining a lifestyle change program can help you make these changes, by teaching healthier food preparation methods, physical activity techniques, and providing a support system with other Hawaii adults who are also working on developing healthier habits.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Uncontrolled cases can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and other serious conditions. Before type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, blood sugar may be higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes—this is known as prediabetes. Prediabetes is reversible, so it’s important to take action as soon as you are diagnosed to avoid getting type 2 diabetes. ✓ Increase your intake of nutritious foods ✓ Reduce your intake of unhealthy foods and beverages ✓Follow these tips for eating healthy ✓Increase your physical activity ✓Quit smoking ✓Decrease alcohol consumption ✓Maintain a healthy weight ✓Reduce stress ✓Get enough sleep Lifestyle change programs can improve your overall health, help you feel more energetic, and improve your quality of life. Without lifestyle change, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years, and up to 70% of all people with prediabetes could go on to develop type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed an effective lifestyle change program with proven results. You’ll learn, laugh, share stories, try new things, and build new habits – all while lowering your risk of getting type 2 diabetes and improving your health. Key components of the program include: ✓CDC-approved curriculum with lessons, handouts, and other resources to help you make healthy changes. ✓A lifestyle coach, specially trained to lead the program, to help you learn new skills, encourage you to set and meet goals, and keep you motivated. The coach will also facilitate discussions and help make the program fun and engaging. ✓A support group of people with similar goals and challenges. Together, you can share ideas, celebrate successes, and work to overcome obstacles. In some programs, the participants stay in touch with each other during the week. It may be easier to make changes when you’re working as a group than doing it on your own. Click here for a list of federally recognized lifestyle change programs throughout Hawaii.
-Eat fruits and vegetables
-Choose whole grains and a variety of proteins
-Decrease added sugar
-Reduce saturated fats and trans fats
-Lower sodium
-Balance your plate
-Shop at farmers’ markets
-Snack healthy
-Follow the physical activity guidelines
-Call or text the Hawaii Tobacco Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
-Follow the guidelines for alcohol consumption
-Substance abuse help
-Review your height and weight
-Tips for losing weight
-Learn how to cope with stress
-Find out how much sleep you need