Written by Admin | Aug 12, 2025 7:26:48 PM
We've all heard of Type 2 diabetes. It's when blood sugar levels rise because our body can't properly process sugars in the food we eat. Before Type 2 diabetes develops, there's usually prediabetes.
What is Prediabetes? It's when sugar (or glucose) levels are higher than normal, but not as high as with Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes happens when your body's cells become less sensitive to insulin, the blood-sugar processing hormone made by your pancreas. Insulin resistance may be caused by being overweight, not exercising enough, or having a family history of the disease.
7 Facts to Know
- About 1 in 3 U.S. adults has prediabetes.
- Prediabetes usually has no symptoms. You'll need a blood test to know for sure.
- Being diagnosed with prediabetes doesn't mean that you'll definitely develop Type 2 diabetes, particularly if you change your lifestyle.
- Prediabetes can be reversed by eating healthy foods, getting moderate exercise on a regular basis, and taking your medication properly.
- A healthy meal plan for people with prediabetes and diabetes includes plenty of non-starchy vegetables, limited added sugars, whole-grain foods instead of refined grains, and whole foods instead of highly processed foods.
- Cut back on sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks, which have been linked to Type 2 diabetes.
- Exercise lowers blood sugar levels and helps to reverse prediabetes. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week (or per your doctor's recommendations).
Talk to Your Doctor about Your Diabetes Risk: If you have concerns about your risk factors, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP can advise you on next steps and changes you can make today to prevent or reverse this disease.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Try Virta Health for Weight Loss and Diabetes Reversal As a Health New England Medicare Advantage member, you may be eligible to get help from Virta Health to improve your health. Virta is available if you have Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or a BMI of 25 or greater. Virta is a guided nutrition program for Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes reversal, and for safe and sustainable weight loss. For members who qualify, Virta will contact you on behalf of Health New England with full program details. Participation is optional. Learn more at
virtahealth.com/join/healthnewengland.