CDC says over one in three Americans are at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes: CDC

More than 1 in 3 adults – about 98 million Americans — has prediabetes, and 81% of them don’t know they have it. CDC and the Ad Council are launching new public service announcements (PSAs) as part of the ongoing “Do I Have Prediabetes?” initiative to encourage people to learn their risk of prediabetes.

The new “Be Your Own Hero” PSAs, developed by creative agency Subject Matter+Kivvit, encourages viewers to take the 1-minute prediabetes risk test so they can take steps to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

If someone receives a high-risk score, the campaign provides additional resources and encourages them to speak with their doctor about getting a blood test to confirm a diagnosis of prediabetes.

Since the award-winning campaign first launched in January 2016, there have been more than 12.7 million online and video risk test completions where people have learned their risk for prediabetes.

“Diabetes is a devastating public health problem, and I cannot overstate the toll that it continues to take on millions of people across the United States,” said Christopher Holliday, PhD, MPH, MA, FACHE, director of CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. “Identifying prediabetes is an opportunity for people to change their story and prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. It’s vital that we continue to raise awareness of prediabetes and encourage everyone to learn where they stand.”

Prediabetes is a serious health condition that also puts people at risk of other serious conditions including heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Research shows that a diagnosis of prediabetes can inspire individuals to embrace lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier, managing weight, and being active, that can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.”This action-packed and engaging new work illustrates the power that each of us has to take control of our own fate, in this case, by taking action to reduce our risk of type 2 diabetes,” said Heidi Arthur, chief campaign development officer at the Ad Council.

The PSAs will appear nationwide across broadcast, print, radio, out-of-home, digital banners and social media in English and Spanish. Consistent with the Ad Council’s model, the campaign will run in time and space donated by the media.

“The idea centers around the fact that life can throw a lot at you, whether it’s navigating daily obstacles or managing something much more serious like type 2 diabetes,” said Kevin Richards, Chief Creative Officer at Subject Matter+Kivvit. “The ‘Be Your Own Hero’ campaign empowers people with a simple way to stay in control of their health.”

CDC is working with partners to further amplify the campaign across communities, using evidence-based materials to inform physicians and other health care providers about the screening, diagnosis, and treatment process.

Last year, the Biden-Harris administration announced the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The strategy aims to reduce the rising prevalence of diet-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, through the collective efforts of organizations across the U.S.