When I review the latest diabetes statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), I feel both concerned and motivated — because these numbers affect all of us, whether we realize it or not.

According to the most recent CDC data, approximately 38.4 million Americans — about 11.6% of the U.S. population — are living with diabetes. Even more alarming, an estimated 8.7 million adults have diabetes and don’t know it yet.

And the numbers don’t stop there.

Nearly 97.6 million American adults — more than 1 in 3 adults — have prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes often has no obvious symptoms, which is why so many people are caught off guard when they receive a diagnosis.

Why Awareness Matters More Than Ever

As a nurse, what concerns me most is how many people are unaware of their risk. More than 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know they have the condition, and the vast majority of people with prediabetes remain undiagnosed. That means millions of Americans are living with elevated blood sugar levels that can quietly damage the body over time.

Diabetes Is a Whole-Body Disease

Diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar — it affects nearly every system in the body. Left unmanaged, it increases the risk of:

• Vision loss and eye disease

• Kidney disease

• Nerve damage

• Heart disease and stroke

• Dental disease

• Depression and cognitive decline

This is why prevention and early intervention are so important. Managing blood sugar isn’t just about numbers — it’s about protecting your long-term health, independence, and quality of life.

The Good News: Prevention Works

Here’s what gives me hope: prediabetes does not have to lead to type 2 diabetes. Research consistently shows that lifestyle changes — especially regular physical activity and a balanced, nutritious diet — can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 50%.

Where Healthy Eating Fits In

Nutrition plays a powerful role in both prevention and management. A healthy, well-balanced eating plan can help stabilize blood sugar, support heart health, and reduce inflammation.

That’s exactly why I believe in Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating. It’s not about restriction or deprivation — it’s about providing consistent, nourishing meals that support balanced blood sugar and overall wellness in a realistic, sustainable way.

A Simple Next Step

If you haven’t had your blood sugar checked recently, I encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider about screening — especially if you have a family history of diabetes, are over age 35, or have other risk factors.

Small, informed choices today can prevent serious health challenges tomorrow.

Seattle Sutton, BSN, RN