ACCEPT YOUR MISSION:
Accept YOUR mission: to find out if you have prediabetes and then become an Agent of Change to reverse it. Take this short risk test below to find out if you may have prediabetes, and make sure to ask your doctor for a prediabetes screening, too.
What is prediabetes?
People are diagnosed with prediabetes when their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The good news is that prediabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and losing weight. In fact, losing just 5-7% of your body weight can slow or even reverse prediabetes. For a person who weighs 200 pounds, that’s only 10-14 pounds.
Your mission: healthy living
You’ve seen the number: 1 in 9 Arizonans has prediabetes. But some changes to your lifestyle can slow or even reverse a prediabetes diagnosis. Following these four steps can help you lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and get on your way to a long and healthy life.
BE ACTIVE: Mow the lawn, take a dance class, bike to the store — this all counts toward the recommended 2.5 hours of weekly aerobic activity for adults, as long as it’s done at a moderate or vigorous intensity for at least 10 minutes at a time.
VISIT YOUR DOCTOR: Regular exams can identify problems before they start. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you also improve your chances for better outcomes if you do have any health issues.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS: Improve your health and wellness in just five minutes by keeping track of your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. These numbers provide a glimpse of your health status and risk for certain diseases, including diabetes.
EAT WELL: A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. You can enjoy your favorite comfort foods, too — just eat them less often, eat smaller amounts or try a lower-calorie version.