Did you know that 21 million Americans have diabetes? And about one third don't even know they have diabetes! Another startling statistic is that about 54 million have what is called pre-diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You want to catch it at this stage, learn all you can about preventing diabetes, and then take action.

1. Family history of type 2 diabetes. Even though type 2 diabetes is considered a life-style disease, if your family has a type 2 diabetes history, you would be considered a high risk for developing diabetes.

2. Overweight and/or obesity. This is a huge factor in developing type 2 diabetes. Even if you lost 5 -10 percent of your body weight, you would significantly reduce you chances of getting type 2 diabetes, or at least delaying it.

3. High blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. This kind of goes along with being overweight a large percentage of the time. Once again, losing weight and exercising will go a long way to lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol.

4. If you are African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Alaska Native ethnicity.

5. Being diagnosed with pre-diabetes. This is a huge warning sign. Time to take action. A lifestyle change in eating habits, better nutrition, exercising (both aerobic and anaerobic) correct supplements, and a positive mindset is in order.

If diagnosed with pre-diabetes or even type 2 diabetes, be sure to check out all available information on how to prevent, delay, or even reverse diabetes, before giving in to daily medication prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor about using alternative natural methods instead of medications, or, even using natural methods and/or supplements with your medicine to keep the dosage lower. Make your own informed decisions. You need to be the one in control of your health.

Thomas Fouts is a former building inspector who decided to get out of the 8 to 5 rat race. Since starting an online business, making money, my wife has told others that she got the person she married back. It has been a wonderful change. Just start. http://www.diabetespanicbutton.com

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