Jenny Pena, NBC-HWC

Diabetes is a growing health concern, with millions of people living with the condition or at risk of developing it.

The statistics around diabetes and prediabetes in the United States are staggering: According to the CDC’s 2023 National Diabetes Statistics Report, approximately 37.3 million Americans (11% of the population) have diabetes, and 96 million adults have prediabetes. 1 in 3 adults—96 million people—have prediabetes, and over 80% of them are unaware of it. Understanding your risk is the first step to taking control of your health and preventing long-term complications.

In this post, I want to explain how you can assess your risk for diabetes, clarify the definition of prediabetes, and (after some statistics shared above) shed light as to why early action is so important.

Now, what is prediabetes? Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It’s a warning sign from your body, which gives you an opportunity to reverse the condition before it progresses.

There are the key numbers related to fasting blood sugar and A1c levels (A1c is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months), which are typically checked during your annual visits with your primary care provider:

• Normal Blood Sugar Levels: Fasting blood sugar below 100 mg/dL and A1c level lower than 5.7%.
• Prediabetes Levels: Fasting blood sugar between 100-125 mg/dL or an A1c level between 5.7% and 6.4%.
• Diabetes Levels: Fasting blood sugar 126 mg/dL or higher, or an A1c level of 6.5% or higher.

Now, who is at risk? Some risks are visible—others, not so much. Here’s what to look out for:

Visible Risks (What You Can See)

• Being overweight or obese, especially with weight around your abdomen.
• Sedentary lifestyle with little to no regular exercise.
• Poor dietary habits, including frequent consumption of processed foods or sugary drinks.
• High blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
• A family history of type 2 diabetes.

Invisible Risks (What You Can’t See)

• Insulin resistance ~ Your cells struggle to absorb glucose, even if your blood sugar seems “normal” for now.
• Sleep patterns ~ Chronic sleep deprivation or sleep apnea can increase your risk.
• Chronic stress ~ Elevated cortisol levels over time can lead to higher blood sugar levels.

You can assess your risk with a quick checklist:

1. Are you overweight or obese?
2. Do you have a sedentary lifestyle?
3. Are you over age 45?
4. Do you have a family history of diabetes?
5. Do you have high blood pressure or cholesterol?
6. Have you been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
7. Do you have a history of gestational diabetes?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, you could be at higher risk. Another way to assess is through CDC’s Assessment – HERE or diabetes.org assessment – HERE

The good news? You can take steps today to turn things around.

While it may feel overwhelming, remember that Prediabetes is not a life sentence. It’s a call to action! Through sustainable lifestyle changes that include adopting a healthier diet, incorporating regular exercise, and managing stress, you can reverse prediabetes and lower your A1C levels.

Are you at risk? I can help!

Reversing prediabetes and lowering your A1C is possible—and you don’t have to feel lost or overwhelmed along the way. My One-to-One Personalized Diabetes Health Coaching Program is designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and support you need to make sustainable lifestyle changes that truly work for you.

From creating customized meal plans to developing stress management strategies, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll work to help you regain control of your health, prevent type 2 diabetes, and unlock a future full of energy and vitality.

You have the power to take control of your health—and it all starts with one step. If you’re ready to lower your risk and achieve lasting wellness, let’s work together!

📅 Book a discovery call using my booking link
📧 Email me at hello@jennypena.com
📱 Or text me at 929-262-0224

Your transformation is waiting. Let’s start today!