In an effort to combat the alarming rise in diabetes cases across the United States, the federal government has launched a groundbreaking initiative focused on prevention and early intervention. Announced on February 15, 2025, the new program aims to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes by promoting healthier lifestyles, increasing access to screenings, and supporting at-risk communities with educational resources and intervention services.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that approximately 34 million Americans are currently living with diabetes, and another 88 million adults have prediabetes, a condition that often leads to the development of type 2 diabetes if left untreated. As the rates of diabetes continue to rise, largely driven by poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, and an aging population, health officials are increasingly focused on prevention as a key strategy to curb this growing public health crisis.
“This initiative marks a critical step toward addressing the diabetes epidemic in America,” said Dr. Janet McKinney, Director of the CDC. “By focusing on prevention and early detection, we aim to stop diabetes before it starts, which will reduce the long-term health complications that affect millions of people and save billions in healthcare costs.”
The centerpiece of the new initiative is a nationwide push to improve access to diabetes screenings, particularly for underserved and high-risk populations. The government is partnering with local health centers, schools, and employers to provide free or low-cost screenings for at-risk individuals. People diagnosed with prediabetes will be offered targeted programs that focus on weight management, dietary changes, and increasing physical activity—all of which have been shown to reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of education, with new public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the risk factors for diabetes, such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise. These efforts will include community-based workshops, online resources, and partnerships with local organizations to reach people where they live and work.
