The Vermont Department of Health is urging people to take simple actions to help prevent diabetes.
Public health officials say the prevalence of obesity has climbed slowly but steadily among middle-aged Vermonters.
Early diagnosis is essential to successfully treat and prevent or delay diabetes and complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke and amputation.
People at highest risk for diabetes are overweight or inactive.
But the department says drastic changes aren’t necessary. Making small changes, such as taking a 30 minute walk each day or riding a bike rather than driving can help reduce the risk of diabetes.