If your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, you could be at risk for diabetes. Knowing the warning signs and making healthy choices can help you prevent or control it.
 
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition. It happens when the body doesn’t use insulin properly. This makes it hard for the body to turn food into energy. Over time, the body can’t make enough insulin to keep up, and blood sugar rises. High blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and other health problems. 
 
Watch for these warning signs: 
- Increased thirst, urination and tiredness
- Sores or cuts that don’t heal
- Blurred vision
- Tingling or loss of feeling in hands or feet 
 
Some people with diabetes don’t have any symptoms, so it’s important to talk with your doctor about your health history and risk factors.
 
You may be able to prevent diabetes with lifestyle changes. These include having a healthy weight, staying active, eating a balanced diet and quitting smoking.
 
If you do get diabetes, it’s a lifelong condition, but these changes can help you avoid other health problems it can cause. And if lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control it, your doctor can recommend medications or insulin replacement therapy to help. You can live a full, active life with diabetes by taking charge of your health.