New York State Department of Health Encourages New Yorkers to Get Tested for Prediabetes

New Data Indicate Prediabetes More than Doubled in New York State Adults in the Past 12 Years

Landmarks to be Illuminated Blue on the Evening of November 14 for World Diabetes Day

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 14, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health announces new data indicating a rise in prediabetes in New York State's adults. On World Diabetes Day, the Department encourages individuals to get tested for prediabetes and take action to reverse prediabetes to prevent it from developing into type 2 diabetes.

"For many, prediabetes will develop into type 2 diabetes within five years, increasing the risk of developing complications such as kidney disease, heart disease or even stroke," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "One in 20 New Yorkers had prediabetes in 2011, in 2023, we see this is one in seven New Yorkers, an alarming increase. Most New Yorkers with prediabetes do not know they have it, so getting screened to understand your risk can save your life. Facing prediabetes with proper action like a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reverse prediabetes and decrease the risk of these further complications."

The recently released New York State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Brief on Prediabetes indicates the percentage of adults who report being diagnosed with prediabetes more than doubled. The increase in diagnosed prediabetes over the past 12 years is likely due to both an increase in prediabetes and improved efforts to screen for prediabetes.

Many people with prediabetes and diabetes experience health inequities and live in communities that have historically faced barriers to health services. The Department is committed to advancing health equity for populations at risk for diabetes by increasing access to evidence-based prevention programming by strengthening partnerships and supporting organizations to provide diabetes prevention and management programs where it's needed most.

The Department, along with community-based organizations, community pharmacies and local and federal health organizations, promotes diabetes prevention through the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP). National DPP offers lifestyle change programs aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing body weight by 5 to 7 percent have demonstrated to prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes in many New Yorkers with prediabetes. These programs support participants in making sustainable lifestyle changes, including making healthier food choices and being more physically active.

The National DPP is a covered benefit for New Yorkers with Medicaid and is also a covered benefit for Medicare members. Determine eligibility to join a National DPP lifestyle change program here.

For the estimated 1.7 million New Yorkers (10.6 percent) who have been diagnosed with diabetes, the Department promotes support programs throughout New York State. The American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recognized, Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES)-accredited and the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs all help individuals navigate their diabetes journey.

DSMES can benefit anyone living with diabetes, whether newly diagnosed or living with diabetes for many years.

To find a nearby DSMES program, view the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and American Diabetes Association program locators. To learn more about DSMES, visit CDC's DSMES Toolkit.

For updated statistics on diabetes and prediabetes in New York State, please access the following reports:

On the evening of November 14, landmarks and buildings across New York State will be illuminated in blue in a symbolic effort to raise awareness about diabetes.

Landmarks to be lit include:

  • 1WTC
  • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
  • Kosciuszko Bridge
  • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
  • State Education Building
  • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
  • Empire State Plaza
  • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
  • The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
  • Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
  • Albany International Airport Gateway
  • Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex
  • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
  • Moynihan Train Hall

Learn more about Diabetes basics here.