Here is a health fact that surprises many families: according to the CDC, more than 2 in 5 American adults have prediabetes, and 8 in 10 of them don’t know they have it.
November is National Diabetes Month, a good time to learn what prediabetes is, why it is so easy to miss, and the simple steps that can help. This is good news wrapped in a warning. Prediabetes is often a turning point, not a final verdict.
What Prediabetes Is
The CDC describes prediabetes as a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. The CDC’s National Diabetes Statistics Report, updated in September 2026, estimates that about 115.2 million U.S. adults have it.
Why does it matter? Most people who develop type 2 diabetes have prediabetes first, the CDC says. And according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
Why So Many People Miss It
Prediabetes usually has no clear symptoms. The CDC notes that a person can have it for years without knowing. You can feel fine, stay busy with work and family, and never suspect a thing. That is exactly why a quick check is worth your time.
Common Risk Factors
The CDC suggests asking your doctor about a simple blood sugar test if any of these describe you:
- You are overweight.
- You are 45 or older.
- A parent, brother or sister has type 2 diabetes.
- You are physically active fewer than 3 times a week.
- You ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or gave birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds.
- You have polycystic ovary syndrome.
The CDC also notes that African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander and some Asian American people are at higher risk.
A Simple 4-Step Plan
1. Take the free online risk test
The CDC offers a free online Prediabetes Risk Test. It does not diagnose anything, but it can help you decide whether to bring the subject up with your doctor. Consider taking it together as a family, and helping an older parent or grandparent with theirs.
2. Ask about a blood sugar test
Only a health professional can tell you whether you have prediabetes. If your risk is high, ask at your next checkup. Write the question down before your appointment so it doesn’t get lost in a busy visit.
3. Move a little more, most days
The CDC’s prevention advice includes at least 150 minutes a week of brisk walking or a similar activity. That’s about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. A family walk after church or a lap around the neighborhood after school both count. Start where you are.
4. Aim for small, steady changes
For people who are overweight, the CDC says losing about 5% to 7% of body weight can make a real difference. For a 200-pound person, that is about 10 to 14 pounds. Eating healthier and being more active are the foundation. Small, faithful steps add up over months.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
The CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program offers lifestyle change programs for people at risk. According to the CDC, these programs can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%, and by 71% for people over 60. You can ask your doctor about a CDC-recognized program near you or online.
There is a quiet lesson for families here. Health changes stick better together. When one person starts walking, someone else often laces up their shoes too. When one cook changes the menu, the whole table benefits.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV)
Caring for our bodies is not about fear or perfection. It is about stewardship, honoring the gift God has given us so we can keep serving the people we love. If a test brings news you weren’t expecting, remember that knowing early gives you time to act, and you never walk that road alone.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your doctor or health care provider about your own risk, testing and any changes to your diet or activity.
Through every storm, we rise together.
Have you or someone in your family made a small health change that stuck? What helped you keep going?
Sources: CDC, “Preventing Type 2 Diabetes” (May 15, 2024); CDC, “Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes” (Dec 26, 2024); CDC, “National Diabetes Statistics Report” (Sep 16, 2026); CDC, “Prediabetes Risk Test” (Feb 14, 2024); NIDDK, “National Diabetes Month” (Aug 2024); KJV 1 Corinthians 6:19
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