Pre-diabetes is when blood
sugar levels are higher than normal and puts a person at risk for developing
type 2 diabetes. According to the U.S. CDC and the American Diabetes
Association an estimated:
- 86 million adults in the U.S. have pre-diabetes
- 386,000 adults in Maine have pre-diabetes
- $243 million in medical costs contributes to Maine’s
economic burden
If pre-diabetes is left
undiagnosed and untreated it can progress to type 2 diabetes. This can
lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney
disease, amputation or death if steps are not taken to self-manage this
disease. There are steps people can take to prevent developing type 2
diabetes. Lifestyle and behavior changes related to eating and physical
activity can decrease a person’s chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Maine has the National Diabetes
Prevention Program (NDPP) available in many communities across Maine.
NDPP classes typically last for one hour, once a week for 16 weeks then meets
monthly for six months. It helps participants make real lifestyle changes
such as healthy eating, daily physical activity and improving problem-solving
and coping skills to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Many people who
complete the program stay in touch with their group for support. In 2014
alone, over 800 adults in Maine completed the NDPP curriculum. To find a
program and class near you visit RethinkDiabetes.org.
For more information:
