Hawaii Diabetes Prevention & Control Program

Chronic Disease Management

Diabetes vs. Prediabetes

Not everyone experiences symptoms of prediabetes and diabetes. In fact, four out of 5 adults who have prediabetes and one in five adults who have diabetes are not aware that they have it. 1,2

If you have the following risk factors, you may be at higher risk for prediabetes and diabetes:

  • You are overweight
  • You are 45 years old or older
  • You have a family history of type 2 diabetes
  • You are physically active less than three times per week
  • You have given birth to a baby that weighed more than nine pounds
  • You have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes when pregnant.

Photo of take the diabetes risk test

DO I HAVE PREDIABETES?

To see if you are at risk for prediabetes, take the Diabetes Risk Test and share the results with your doctor or health care provider—he/she can verify your results utilizing a simple blood sugar (glucose) test. If your doctor or health care provider determines that you have prediabetes, he/she may recommend making simple lifestyle changes. He/she may also recommend that you enroll in a group lifestyle change program, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Joining a DPP can help you to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Visit beatdiabetes.hawaii.gov  for more information.

I HAVE TYPE 2 DIABETES…NOW WHAT?

If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor or health care provider will recommend making lifestyle changes that could help you manage your diagnosis. They may also recommend enrolling in a Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program or the Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) to help you improve your condition. DSMES programs are covered by most insurance plans, but often require a doctor referral. DSMP is not covered by insurance, but is usually available at no cost.

To find a DSMES program, refer to the American Diabetes Association or Association of Diabetes Care and Education and Support program locators. For more information about DSMP, visit the Hawaii Healthy Aging Partnership.

REFERENCES
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, September 25). What is Diabetes? www.cdc.gov. What is diabetes? | CDC
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, December 30). Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes | CDC.