Leading medical societies and the federal government have come up with a public campaign to increase awareness of prediabetes and help people understand it and know how to prevent type 2 diabetes.

In the US, over one-third of adults have prediabetes, a condition wherein blood glucose levels become higher than normal but not sufficiently high for type 2 diabetes consideration.

In an editorial on the American Medical Association (AMA) website, Stephen R. Permut, MD, wrote that up to 70% of people with prediabetes may contract type 2 diabetes. He mentioned that people suffering from prediabetes have a 20% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in comparison with people without prediabetes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the AMA, American Diabetes Association and the Ad Council have collaborated to launch the first national PSA campaign for prediabetes. As per a news release, Ogilvy & Mather New York created the campaign pro bono for the Ad Council.

The campaign running in English and Spanish, will come on radio, television and online. The campaign motivates people to visit a website and take a short test to find out their risk of contracting prediabetes.

The website of the campaign also gives tips on how to eat better, stay more active and how an individual can participate in CDC-recognized programs. The risk test and lifestyle tips can also be availed via text messages.

In a press release, AMA President-Elect Andrew W. Gurman, MD said that knowing that you have prediabetes is only the initial step in preventing the arrival of type 2 diabetes.

Gurman added, “As soon as someone discovers they may be at risk of prediabetes, they should talk with their physician about further testing to confirm their diagnosis and discuss the necessary lifestyle changes needed to help prevent type 2 diabetes”.