“No one is excused from prediabetes.” That is why the CDC, the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are launching the first national public service advertising campaign about prediabetes.
More than 1 in 3 Americans has blood glucose levels high enough to qualify for prediabetes, but an estimated 90% don’t know it. Current trends suggest that if untreated, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. However, the CDC suggests weight loss, diet changes, and increased physical activity can help cut risk by 58%.
Public service announcements in English and Spanish encourage people to take a short test at www.DoIHavePrediabetes.org or in real time through interactive, “first of its kind,” TV and radio PSAs. People can also take the test and receive support and lifestyle tips via text messages. The ADA, AMA, and CDC are also working through local offices, affiliates, and partners to promote the campaign, with resources for health care providers to aid in screening, diagnosis, and treatment.