When not managed, diabetes can lead to life-threatening conditions. It can also put you more at risk of severe illness or death from Covid-19.
Learn Your Risk
Learning if you have prediabetes is the first step to help you take control of your health and, potentially, prevent getting diabetes.
1 out of 3 adults in the U.S. have prediabetes. Of those, over 80% don’t know they have it!
Prediabetes can become type 2 diabetes if it is not treated. But you can often reverse prediabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes.
Take a free, 1-minute screening, or talk to your doctor to see if you’re at risk.
About Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where the body has difficulty producing or using insulin, a hormone that breaks down sugar. There are 3 types:
- Type 1
- Type 2
- Gestational diabetes
Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90% of all diabetes cases and is preventable.
Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes first occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of developing type 2 later. Between 2% and 10% of pregnancies are affected in the U.S.
If not treated, gestational diabetes can put the mother and baby at risk of complications. The good news is that it is treatable and usually goes away after the baby is born.
Talk to your doctor about how to lower your risk and how often to have your blood sugar checked to make sure you’re on track. About gestational diabetes.
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Many people have had success reversing their prediabetes conditions by taking a diabetes prevention program (DPP) class. You’ll learn how to make small changes to your diet, increase your physical activity, and lower your stress to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
To find a class:
- Search for Diabetes Prevention Programs in your area
- Ask your insurance provider
- Coming soon! Multnomah County is also working with community partners to host culturally specific classes. Fill out this short interest form and we can help you find a group for you.
Make a Change
If you aren’t ready to join a class, you can still make changes to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Eating healthier and adding a few minutes of exercise to your daily routine can put you on the right path.
For example, you can start small by substituting one meal a day with a healthier, nutritious alternative. Set manageable and realistic goals for yourself so you’re more likely to stick to the plan.