A person with prediabetes has a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. He or she is at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, including heart disease, and stroke. Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.

A person with certain risk factors is more likely to develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. These risk factors include:

• age, especially after 45 years of age
• being overweight or obese; a family history of diabetes
• having an African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander racial or ethnic background
• a history of diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or having given birth to a baby weighing nine pounds or more; and being physically active less than three times a week.

If you do have prediabetes, research shows that doing just two things can help you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes:

• Lose 5% to 7% of your body weight, which would be 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person
• Get at least 150 minutes each week of physical activity, such as brisk walking.