It’s National Diabetes Month. Here’s what you need to know.

Nearly one in two Americans has diabetes or prediabetes. This makes it one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases in the world, according to the American Diabetes Association.

During November, National Diabetes Awareness Month, we are sharing five tips to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

1. Get an A1C blood test. This simple blood test looks at your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. When A1C levels are high, it indicates your body is struggling to manage blood sugar levels. This increases your chances of having health concerns related to diabetes. If you are worried about being prediabetic, ask your doctor if an A1C test makes sense. Most providers recommend you include an A1C test as part of your standard blood panel after age 45.

2. Understand the risk factors. When it comes to Type 2 diabetes, we know the following things increase your chances of being diagnosed with the disease:

• Being overweight
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Having high blood pressure

Fortunately, these risk factors can be mitigated through healthier lifestyle choices. However, there are other risk factors that cannot be changed, including:

• Age – after 45 your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases
• A family history of diabetes
• Race – African Americans, Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders face a higher risk when it comes to diabetes

3. Stay active. Exercise is critical in managing blood sugar levels and fighting diabetes. The American Diabetes Association encourages adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week (or 30 minutes every Monday through Friday), along with strength training to help build strong muscles.

4. Make water your drink of choice. Liquid sugar enters the bloodstream more rapidly and can cause extreme spikes in blood sugar. Swapping out soda, juice and energy drinks for water can help you avoid sugar spikes and cut out excess calories.

5. Prioritize sleep and stress management. Sleep and stress can play a big role in how your body processes blood sugar, regulates hormones and utilizes insulin. Lack of sleep can make your cells less responsive to insulin in just a few days. It also can increase your cravings for sugar, putting you in a dangerous cycle. When we are under a lot of stress, our hormones change and tell our body to dump extra glucose into the bloodstream, while simultaneously preventing our body from using it properly. To reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and actively practice stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga.