According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, about 40 percent of adults, ages 40 to 74, have pre-diabetes, which is marked by blood glucose (sugar) levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. About 30 percent of people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within three years. Type 2 diabetes was formerly called "adult-onset" diabetes or "non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus," and accounts for 90-95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimate is based on a revised, more accurate definition of pre-diabetes made by an international expert committee of the American Diabetes Association and published in the November issue of Diabetes Care. The new definition of pre-diabetes identifies more people who are likely to develop type 2 diabetes, highlighting the importance of preventing this disease.

For more information about preventing diabetes in Washington, call toll free: 888-438-2247. Diabetes prevention and control information is also available online