Diabetes Prevention

For Many People, Diabetes is Preventable

Find resources to support diabetes prevention and screening for better health outcomes. Look for our team out at health fairs and community events.



What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when a person’s blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy. Glucose is a type of sugar people get from food and beverages that are consumed. There are several types of diabetes, but type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and can develop at any age.  

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Many people with prediabetes have no symptoms, which is how prediabetes can go undiagnosed until it progresses to type 2 diabetes or other health complications. The good news is that prediabetes is reversible!  Routine preventive visits with a healthcare provider are important for early detection.     

Take a Prediabetes Risk Test

How is someone diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes?  

There are two main measures of blood glucose used to diagnose someone with prediabetes or diabetes:

  • Fasting blood glucose is a measure of glucose in the blood after not eating or drinking any beverages except water for 8–12 hours.   

Blood glucose graphic

A1C is a blood test that represents a person’s average blood sugar level for the past two to three months.  Blood glucose graphic

How Can Diabetes be Prevented?  

If a person is diagnosed with prediabetes, there are lifestyle changes they can take to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, such as making healthy eating choices, getting regular physical activity, and taking action to manage stress.  Making these changes can help to restore normal blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other related complications. Find lifestyle health resources here to support prevention.

Sign Up For a Diabetes Prevention Class  

Here is a list of in-person and virtual diabetes prevention classes and programs open to Island County residents: