Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. It is a warning sign that a person is at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.
How Do You Prevent the Development of Type 2 Diabetes?
The main goal of treating prediabetes is to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes such as:
- Losing weight if overweight or obese. The first step is to eat healthier food with fewer calories. Start by keeping track of your weight, eating habits, and physical activities.
- Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Your diet plays a huge role in managing your diabetes. Using real food as a guide can help ensure your blood sugar stays on track. Healthy eating helps control blood sugar and reduces your risk for long-term health problems.
- Exercising regularly. Exercising is important. It helps keep weight off and improves your overall health. Exercise can help lower blood sugar and improve your insulin sensitivity.
- Quit smoking. If you smoke, you have a 30% to 40% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than people who don't smoke. The more you smoke, the higher your risk. As a Carolina Complete Health member, you enroll in the Quit for Life® Tobacco Cessation Program to help you stop smoking or using other tobacco products.
Members Who Complete Two Healthy Activities can enroll in our Active&Fit Enterprise Gym Value-Added Service Program
Carolina Complete Health members who are 18 years or older and have completed two My Health Pays healthy activities can receive an annual gym membership or select a home fitness kit with access to workout videos.
Additional Resources
Assistance with Scheduling an Appointment
If you need help making an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss a plan to prevent or manage diabetes, please contact Member Services at 1-833-552-3876 (TTY 711) from 7a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.