As many as 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has higher-than-normal blood sugar levels that aren't high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Known as prediabetes, this condition can cause damage to the heart and circulatory system and often leads to type 2 diabetes.

You can delay -- or even prevent -- type 2 diabetes by taking steps to lower your blood sugar level. If you have prediabetes and are carrying around excess pounds, losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight will reduce your risk. Everyone can benefit from exercising moderately and eating a healthy diet.

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to add a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily menu -- one of the American Diabetes Association's tips for healthy eating.

Both fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Serve garden favorites like tomatoes, cucumbers, corn and broccoli as side dishes at your next picnic. Or, toss them with lettuce or spinach for a tasty salad. Blackberries, strawberries, plums, cherries and other fruits are perfect for snacks or dessert. A quick trip to your local store or farmers' market can help you add a variety of nutritious seasonal foods to your diet.

Could You Have Prediabetes?
People with prediabetes rarely have symptoms. It's a good idea to ask your doctor about screening tests if you're age 45 or older. Younger people may want to discuss testing if they're overweight and have at least one other risk factor for diabetes. Risk factors include:

• Not exercising regularly
• Family history of diabetes
• Being Latino, African-American or Asian-American
• Low HDL ("good") cholesterol or high triglyceride levels

Diabetes Counseling and Education
The Valley Health System (VHS) hospitals offer residents of Southern Nevada resources to help them successfully manage diabetes. Both inpatient and outpatient treatment and consultation services are available to help people of all ages. Services include nutrition counseling, meal planning and educational classes taught by certified diabetes educators.

VHS diabetes centers are accredited by the American Diabetes Association. For more information, please ask your physician or call:

Desert Springs Hospital
Diabetes Treatment Center
702-369-7560

Summerlin Hospital
Diabetes Treatment Center
702-233-7225

Valley Hospital
Diabetes Resource Center
702-477-6530

For more information on how to prevent diabetes, please visit www.diabetes.org.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106