There are 96 million American adults who have prediabetes – that’s 1 in 3 adults! Of those 96 million, more than 8 in 10 of them don’t even know they have it.

Without taking action, many people with prediabetes could develop Type 2 diabetes within five years, which puts them at risk for serious health problems. These problems include heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and loss of toes, feet or legs.

The good news is prediabetes can often be reversed.

Take the Prediabetes Risk Test to determine if you are at risk. If you scored 5 or higher or you’ve been previously diagnosed by your healthcare provider, what can you do? Join a group of other adults with prediabetes in the Diabetes Prevention Program! DPP is a lifestyle-change program that helps people with prediabetes lose weight and increase physical activity, which can help reduce your risk.

Studies show that DPP participants can lower their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 58% (71% if you’re over age 60). In our most recent group of DPP participants, 56% saw a reduction of blood glucose levels from the “prediabetes” range to the “normal” range without the use of medication.

Find the support you need to make your health a priority and reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes! New DPP classes are starting soon. To learn more or sign up, contact Anne Hayse, registered dietitian at Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, at 913-477-8128 or anne.hayse@jocogov.org.