Only one in nine U.S. adults with prediabetes are aware they have the condition, according to an MMWR study.

In an analysis of NHANES data, researchers found that the percentage who are aware they have prediabetes increased from 7.7% in 2005 to 11.1% in 2010. Awareness was low (below 14%) regardless of healthcare access, income, education, family history, and body mass index.

The authors write: “Persons with prediabetes, including those with regular access to health care, might benefit from efforts aimed at making them aware that they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and that they can reduce that risk by making modest lifestyle changes. Efforts are needed to increase awareness.”

Source: MMWR