Guide: Tips to help you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes

More than 37 million Americans have diabetes (about 1 in 10), and approximately 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Type 2 diabetes most often develops in people over age 45, but children, teens and young adults can also develop it.

Below are some things you should know and tips to help you prevent or delay the condition:

Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Yes! You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes - such as losing weight and getting more physically active - even if you’re at high risk.

Most people have prediabetes before developing type 2 diabetes, according to the CDC. Do you want to see where you stand? Take the 1-minute prediabetes risk test here.

How to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes:

If your blood test confirms you have prediabetes, there are lifestyle change programs you can join to help you, including the CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program. These programs will help you make lasting lifestyle changes.

Meeting with a diabetes educator is a great way to get support and guidance, including how to:

Develop a healthy eating and activity plan;
Test your blood sugar and keep a record of the results;
Recognize the signs of high or low blood sugar and what to do about it;
If needed, give yourself insulin by syringe, pen or pump;
Monitor your feet, skin and eyes to catch problems early;
Buy diabetes supplies and store them properly;
Manage stress and deal with daily diabetes care.

Children and type 2 diabetes - What parents can do:

Type 2 diabetes can develop in children, but parents have the power to make healthy changes that give kids the best chance to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Health officials say it’s easier to create healthy habits that stick when the whole family makes changes together. Get started with these simple tips for healthy eating and an active family lifestyle.