November Is National Diabetes Month. The CDC Says More Than 2 in 5 U.S. Adults Have Prediabetes

EASTON, MARYLAND — November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country bring attention to the disease, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. An estimated 40.1 million people in the United States had diabetes in 2023, diagnosed or undiagnosed, according to the CDC's National Diabetes Statistics Report. The disease can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, the institute says.

A larger group is a step earlier. More than 2 in 5 American adults have prediabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With prediabetes, blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. In Maryland, more than 1.8 million adults have prediabetes and 80% of them do not know they are at risk, the Talbot County Health Department says.

Prediabetes can last for years with no clear symptoms, the CDC says. The agency suggests that people with risk factors talk to a doctor about a blood sugar test. The risk factors it lists include:

For people with prediabetes, the CDC says, a small amount of weight loss and regular physical activity can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. The agency defines a small amount as about 5% to 7% of body weight, or 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person, and regular activity as at least 150 minutes a week of brisk walking or something similar. Its National Diabetes Prevention Program can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 58%, or 71% for people over 60, according to the CDC.

For people who already have diabetes, the NIDDK points to the diabetes ABCs: the A1C test, which measures average blood glucose, plus blood pressure and cholesterol. The institute suggests asking a health care team what those goals should be.

Closer to home, the health department says diabetes support, education and provider services are offered through UM Shore Regional Health's endocrinology services, at 410-822-1000. The department also lists a free program from the Maryland Living Well Center of Excellence to help people manage diabetes, and an online or in-person prediabetes program through the Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center for people at risk.