Diabetes Prevention

Take Steps to Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes

There's some good news about type 2 diabetes; you can take steps to prevent or delay onset of type 2 diabetes. The following are a few good starting points:

• Increase daily physical activity to 30 minutes a day with exercises you enjoy
• Choose healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Consider losing weight if you're overweight or obese: Studies show that a weight loss of 5 to 7% of total body weight can help lower a person's risk
• Work on staying relaxed with calming activities like deep breathing exercises, walking, and reading a good book

Pre-Diabetes

Having pre-diabetes puts you at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke. Studies have shown that by losing weight and increasing physical activity people can prevent or delay pre-diabetes from progressing to diabetes.

Diabetes Prevention Campaign for African Americans

The Orange County Health Department recently developed a diabetes prevention campaign to raise awareness among African American adults about the importance of diabetes prevention. As a part of this effort, we developed a diabetes prevention toolkit with messages, health education materials, and incentives.

Some materials were created by the health department while others were pulled from leading diabetes organizations such as the National Diabetes Education Program. Select African American churches in Orange County have received hard copies of the toolkit and are providing prevention messages to members and others in the community.

If you would like more information about these materials or would like to request a toolkit, call Candice Watkins Robinson at 919-245-2462.

Diabetes Prevention Campaign Messages and Materials

• You Have the Power to Prevent
  This Public Service Announcement (MP3) explains the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and steps to prevention. You can also view the transcript (PDF).
  Source: Orange County Health Department. Audience: African Americans
• Pre-Diabetes Facts / Take Steps to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
  Download this card (PDF) to learn more about pre-diabetes and the steps to preventing type 2 diabetes.
  Source: Orange County Health Department. Audience: All. Pages: 2
• Warning Signs / Risk Factors
  This card (PDF) contains the warning signs and risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
  Source: Orange County Health Department. Audience: All. Pages: 2
• Talk About Type 2 Diabetes With Your Doctor
  Visiting a medical office can be stressful. You may feel rushed and forget to ask important questions about your health. This card (PDF) contains a few tips on talking with your doctor and a space to write down your questions about type 2 diabetes.
  Source: Orange County Health Department. Audience: All. Pages: 2
• The Facts About African Americans & Type 2 Diabetes
  This fact sheet (PDF) defines type 2 diabetes and explains warning signs, risk factors, steps to prevention.
  Source: Orange County Health Department. Audience: African Americans. Pages: 2
• It's Not Too Late to Prevent Diabetes
  This tip sheet (PDF) helps older adults at risk for type 2 diabetes move more and eat less to lower their risk for diabetes.
  Source: National Diabetes Education Program. Audience: All. Pages: 3