The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rolled out a nationwide advertising effort on Tuesday aimed at shining a light on prediabetes – a condition that affects roughly two‑in‑five American adults but often goes unnoticed.
“Undo” prediabetes before it becomes diabetes
The campaign, titled “Undo It,” carries a simple message: “You can’t undo everything in life, but you can undo prediabetes.” CDC officials say the goal is to get people to recognize that prediabetes does not have to lead to a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
“Many of them don’t know they have it. Over 80 percent don’t know they have it because it’s largely asymptomatic,” explained Dr. Christopher Holliday, director of the Division of Diabetes Translation at the CDC. Without symptoms, individuals often skip testing and miss the chance to intervene early.
One‑minute risk test and a call to action
The centerpiece of the effort is a free, one‑minute online risk assessment. The test asks simple questions about age, weight, family history and lifestyle habits, then provides a personalized risk score. Dr. Holliday urges anyone who scores high to schedule a confirmatory blood test with their physician.
“The call to action is for them to talk with their doctor and get a confirmatory blood test that will definitively show whether or not they have prediabetes, and then they can take action by making modest lifestyle changes that will help reverse prediabetes,” he said.
Modest lifestyle changes can make a difference
The CDC outlines three primary steps for those diagnosed with prediabetes:
- Choose healthier foods – more vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, while cutting back on sugary drinks and processed snacks.
- Increase physical activity – aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity exercise each week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming.
- Lose a modest amount of weight – even a 5‑7 percent reduction in body weight can improve blood‑sugar control.
Research shows that these changes can lower blood‑sugar levels enough to move many people out of the prediabetes range, delaying or even preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
Why early detection matters
According to the CDC, early detection gives individuals a critical window to intervene before irreversible damage occurs. By catching prediabetes early, patients can avoid the long‑term health complications and costs associated with full‑blown diabetes, such as heart disease, kidney failure and vision loss.
The “Undo It” campaign will run on television, radio, digital platforms and social media over the coming months, targeting a broad audience from young adults to seniors. The CDC hopes the message will resonate in homes across the country, especially in communities where diabetes rates have historically been higher.
Take the test today
Anyone interested can visit the CDC’s website to complete the risk assessment and learn more about steps to reverse prediabetes. The agency emphasizes that the test is quick, free and confidential.
By encouraging early screening and empowering Americans with practical, faith‑compatible lifestyle guidance, the CDC’s “Undo It” campaign aligns with the nation’s broader effort to protect families’ health and reduce the burden of chronic disease.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
