Why is it important to find out if I have prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a wake-up call that type 2 diabetes could be in your future, but you can still prevent it. Research shows that people with prediabetes can greatly reduce the chance they will develop type 2 diabetes by losing some weight and getting more active.

People with prediabetes also are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke and eye disease. Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and the loss of feet or legs. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Knowing your risk lets you take charge of your health by making lifestyle changes, such as staying physically active and eating nutritious foods. If you have a high risk for prediabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested and making changes to eat more healthfully and add more physical activity to your routine.

The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS.

It's important to find out if you have prediabetes because at this point, it is not too late to change your way of life and become healthier. Diabetes is a horrible disease that can lead to limb ulcers and limb losses, visual loss, kidney failure, heart disease and lots of pain and medical bills. If we can catch this early or in the beginning stages, there's a chance to live a healthier life with diet changes and prevent the actual disease and all these associated factors.