Stop diabetes before it starts

Type 2 diabetes puts you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke – and can cause problems with your kidneys, nerves, feet and eyes. But there is good news. If you can catch it at the early prediabetes stage, you can make a few simple lifestyle changes to prevent it from endangering your health.

Take the quiz

Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are elevated, but not high enough to be type 2 diabetes. It’s more common than you may think. One in 3 adults have prediabetes. Do you? Take the quiz by clicking the button. Or visit https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest/

Take action

Did the quiz indicate you may be at risk? Don’t panic. Diabetes is highly preventable. But you do have to act early while you’re in the prediabetes stage. You can learn more here: www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/truth-about-prediabetes.html

Get tested

Depending on your quiz score, you may want to check in with your doctor to be certain about your risk of getting diabetes. Schedule a visit with your doctor to get your blood test today.

Prevention

Iowa has diabetes prevention programs all across the state. Check out the resources below to find one near you. These programs are evidence-based and highly successful at preventing type 2 diabetes:

Risk factors for diabetes

Being overweight
Being 45 years or older
Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
Being physically active less than 3 times a week
Giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Having polycystic ovary syndrome

Race and ethnicity are also a factor. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some Asian Americans are at higher risk.