Diabetes: Risk Factors and Prevention

November 12, 2025

Did you know approximately 1 in 3 Americans are prediabetic? Prediabetes is when your body has higher than normal blood sugar levels, putting you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Fund Office is encouraging members and their dependents to learn more about this disease, so they can be proactive in its prevention.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose levels are above normal. When you eat, your body breaks food down into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. Insulin is generated by your pancreas and helps the blood sugar enter your body’s cells to use for energy.

When someone has diabetes, their body doesn’t make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin effectively. This leads to too much glucose in the bloodstream, which can cause serious problems.

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes is when your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. Those with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily. Only 5-10% of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes, and it is often diagnosed at a young age. Currently, type 1 diabetes is not preventable, but the disease can be managed.

Type 2 Diabetes is when your body is exposed to too much blood sugar, and your cells become resistant to insulin. As a result, your blood sugar remains at a high level, which can lead to health complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Diabetes Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk of diabetes and prediabetes if you:

– Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
– Are over age 45
– Are overweight
– Have high blood pressure
– Are a Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian-American, or Native American person
– Had diabetes while pregnant

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

With lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Healthy changes include:

– Losing weight with a nutrition plan
– Quitting smoking
– Exercising and increasing your physical movement

What You Can Do Today

Whether or not you have risk factors and symptoms, you can ask your doctor about getting screened for diabetes and prediabetes. Blood tests are a quick and effective way to catch prediabetes early.

To learn more about diabetes, read our printable flyer and visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes/