According to Marilyn Csernus, nutrition and wellness educator at the University of Illinois, more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, and 86 million More adults are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. During the month of November, being aware of the symptoms of prediabetes can help reduce the risk of being diagnosed with diabetes by up to 50 percent by making a few simple changes to your lifestyle. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal. , but the numbers are not high enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Sometimes this condition is known as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting blood glucose, depending on the test used to diagnose the condition, Csernus explained. “Even though there are no symptoms indicating increased glucose levels without a blood sugar test, prediabetes is not a condition to be taken lightly. Without lifestyle changes, prediabetes often progresses to type 2 diabetes within a few years. In addition, prediabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease,” the expert noted. According to Csernus, one of the keys to preventing type 2 diabetes is recognizing the risk. Everyone over 45 should get tested. You should also get tested if you are under 45 but have any of the following conditions: • you are physically inactive • you are overweight or obese • you have a family history of diabetes • you have had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds • you are African American, Asian American, Native American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic/Latino • you have high blood pressure • you have abnormal cholesterol levels with low of HDL "'good' cholesterol and high triglycerides. A major research study found that... middle of article... he had a classroom experience elsewhere" during his training time, member of team, educator Jenna Smith She advised “Diabetes Class I is intended for people who manage diabetes, caregivers, or those who want to make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing symptoms of diabetes. pre-diabetes”. Another factor is ensuring that health information comes from a credible source. Glassman recommends “Your Guide to Diabetes, http://extension.illinois.edu/diabetes2/” or visiting the American Diabetes Association website at http://www.diabetes.org/ to learn more more on preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. Glassman noted, “Look for a Diabetes Course I coming soon.” All nutrition and wellness programs are listed on the University of Illinois Extension website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/blmp/ or follow her at Twitter, Susan Glassman@NutritionNosh..