Prediabetes is a health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The good news is that prediabetes can be prevented. Take the diabetes risk test to measure your risk for prediabetes.
Prediabetes Risk Factors:
- Overweight or obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2)
- 35 years or older
- A parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Physical activity less than 3 times a week or being active less than 150 minutes per week
- History of gestational diabetes or having a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- High Blood Pressure
- Are of African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American descent
You can high blood sugar levels for many months and even years without symptoms. Without routine testing, you may only find that your blood sugar levels are high when health problems arise. It is important to talk to your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested if any of the above risk factors apply to you.
Diabetes is a chronic condition (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are three types of diabetes:
- Type 1: Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that stops your body from making insulin. If you have type 1 diabetes, you'll need to take insulin every day to survive. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes.
- Type 2: With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't appropriately use insulin well and can't keep blood sugar at normal levels. About 90% of people with diabetes can have type 2. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating health food, and being active.
- Gestational: Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. This type of diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born, but increases your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.
As of now, there isn't a cure for diabetes, but losing weight, eating healthy food, and being active can really help. Taking medicine as prescribed by your doctor as needed, and keeping medical appointments can also reduce the impact of diabetes on your life.
The Maryland Department of Health created a Diabetes Action Plan to reduce the burden of diabetes in Maryland.
Healthy Lifestyle Balance Program (The National Diabetes Prevention Program):
Lifestyle Balance is a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program that focuses on healthy eating and physical activity. This program helps to prevent or lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by:
- Working with CDC trained lifestyle coaches to help you make realistic and lasting changes
- Educating you about the foods you eat, how to add more physical activity to your day, and how to solve problems that may slow your progress
- Getting support from others with similar goals and challenges
The program meets over the course of a year and is taught by certified lifestyle coaches. For more information call 410-632-1100 ext. 1108.
Diabetes Support Groups:
We offer free diabetes support group sessions for those living with diabetes and caregivers. Participants who enroll in this program will:
- Make connections with other people living with diabetes
- Share coping strategies
- Gain new ideas for meals
- and Learn how to eat healthy as well as how to move more.
Monthly support groups are held at the Snow Hill 50+ Center on the third Wednesday of every month at 1:00pm and at the Pocomoke 50+ Center on the third Thursday of every month at 11:00am.
For more information call 410-632-1100 ext. 1113.
Medical Nutrition Therapy:
The Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) program aims to help health conditions through nutrition. In MNT you will work with a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist who will help you create healthy eating habits and set personal health goals and plans.
To join MNT, you must:
- Have a referral (including diagnosis) from your Primary Care Doctor or specialist
- Bring ID and insurance card to each appointment
Appointments are available at Berlin Health Center, Snow Hill Health Center, and Pocomoke Health Center. For more information call 410-632-1100 ext. 1113.
Note: Medicare limits coverage to Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease only. All other clients are subject to the limits of their insurance plan and may require prior authorization to receive services.
You are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you have prediabetes, are overweight, or have a relative with type 2 diabetes, are physically active less than three times per week, or are age 35 or older. To learn more about risk factors, symptoms, and diabetes management resources, download our Prediabetes and Diabetes Resource Guide
