Diabetes Prevention

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Programs & Services

Do you have prediabetes or diabetes? If so, you are not alone. Nearly half of adults in Iowa have been diagnosed with diabetes or are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

The good news is that there are ways to prevent or delay diabetes while also reducing the risk of other serious complications, like heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. 

Iowa HHS and community partners offer low-cost, effective programs to support diabetes prevention and management so Iowans can have a happier, healthier quality of life.  If you have questions regarding diabetes prevention and management programming, please reach out to our team at phccic@hhs.iowa.gov

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Do You Have Prediabetes? Take the Quiz.

Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This condition can persist for years without any noticeable symptoms while you are at risk of developing other serious health conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Learn more about your risk for prediabetes. Take the 7-question Prediabetes Screening Test. Share your score with your doctor and ask about steps you can take to improve your health. 

The test is also available in Spanish and: 

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Risk Factors for Prediabetes

Talk with your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested if you have any of the risk factors for prediabetes, including if you are: 

  • Overweight.
  • Age 45 or older.
  • Have a parent, brother or sister with type 2 diabetes.
  • Are physically active less than three times a week.
  • Have a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds.
  • Have polycystic ovary syndrome.
  • Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino American, American Indian or Alaskan Native person (some Pacific Islander people and Asian American people also have a higher risk).

Prediabetes Fact Sheet

Get more information about risk factors for prediabetes, its effects and what you can do to prevent type 2 diabetes. Download this fact sheet, which is also available in Spanish and: 

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Lifestyle Change Program

If you want to make healthy changes to prevent type 2 diabetes, a lifestyle change program can offer support to build better habits that can last a lifetime. 

Topics include eating healthy, adding physical activity to your routine, managing stress, staying motivated and solving problems that can get in the way of your goals with the support of: 

  • Lessons, handouts and other resources to help you make healthy changes.
  • A specially trained lifestyle coach to provide education, motivation and engagement.
  • A support group of people with similar goals and challenges to share ideas, celebrate successes and work to overcome obstacles. 

Talk with your healthcare provider or explore these resources for more:

Whether you are newly diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with it for years, diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) can provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to handle daily care of your condition and improve your overall quality of life. 

With personalized and group coaching options, you will work with your diabetes care team and an education specialist to create a plan to help you: 

  • Improve your hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Have fewer or less severe diabetes complications.
  • Save money on healthcare costs.
  • Reduce the need for emergency care.
  • Stay on track with your treatment plan and prescriptions.
  • Learn practical tips for eating healthy, being active and solving problems.
  • Handle the emotional side of diabetes. 

Ask your doctor for a referral to a DSMES program to get help managing your diabetes.

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