More than 2 in 5 American Adults have Prediabetes, but Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes is Within Reach

New national PSAs encourage risk awareness and healthy lifestyle changes to help reverse prediabetes 

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 115.2 million adults in the U.S. have prediabetes — over 2 in 5 — and most don't know it. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ad Council are launching a new round of public service advertisements (PSAs) encouraging people to understand their risk of prediabetes and take action early. 

Prediabetes is a serious health condition that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Because prediabetes often has no symptoms, many people do not know they have it. But research shows that early diagnosis can inspire individuals to adopt healthier habits. Eating better, being active, and managing weight can reverse prediabetes and delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. 

The new "Undo It" PSAs developed by creative agency Avoq, spotlight that while there are many scenarios in life we can't undo, prediabetes is something that can be reversed. These new PSAs encourage viewers to take the 1-minute prediabetes risk test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org so they can take steps to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. If someone receives a high-risk score, the website provides additional resources and encourages them to speak with their doctor about getting a blood test to confirm a diagnosis of prediabetes.  

"Diabetes remains a profound public health challenge, affecting millions of individuals and families across the country," said Christopher Holliday, PhD, MPH, MA, FACHE, director of CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation. "Recognizing prediabetes early gives people a critical chance to change the trajectory of their health. It is essential that we continue educating the public and encouraging everyone to understand their risk." 

As the award-winning Type 2 Diabetes Prevention campaign celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it has driven more than 30 million online and video risk test completions, enabling millions of people to learn their risk for prediabetes. Since its 2016 launch, the campaign has aided millions in recognizing prediabetes with more than 9 million visitors to DoIHavePrediabetes.org.  

"Research shows that a diagnosis of prediabetes acts as a real wake-up call for people," said Heidi Arthur, chief campaign and program officer at the Ad Council. "By making the message unmistakably clear, 'Undo It' empowers people to take early action, when it can make the biggest difference." 

If you receive a high score (5 or higher) on the risk test, you are encouraged to speak to a doctor to confirm a diagnosis of prediabetes via a blood test, then enroll in CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP). The campaign has driven nearly 330,000 referrals to National DPP's lifestyle change program since its launch. 

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.  

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. 

To learn more or assess your own risk for prediabetes, visit DoIHavePrediabetes.org. 

The Ad Council
The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country's most iconic social impact campaigns – Smokey Bear, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council's communities on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and view campaign creative on YouTube. 

Avoq
Avoq is an integrated consultancy, offering strategic communications, data analytics & insights, government relations, digital strategy, creative content, and advertising services with 200+ employees in Washington D.C., Chicago, New York, New Jersey, and Miami. 

SOURCE The Ad Council