Nearly Half of Local Adults May Have Prediabetes and Not Know It

Mountain View, CA – El Camino Healthcare District estimates that nearly half of all adults in Mountain View and surrounding areas may have prediabetes, and 81 percent of those affected are unaware they have it – according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Today, the District announced the launch of its Outsmart Prediabetes program, a major initiative to increase awareness of prediabetes and help adults take early action to reduce their risk. The program is part of the District's population health strategy, which identifies prediabetes as the most common chronic condition among adults in the region.

"Prediabetes is one of the most urgent yet least recognized health issues facing our community," said John Zoglin, chair of the El Camino Healthcare District board of directors. "Eight out of 10 people who have it don’t know they do. By helping adults understand their risk early and providing an accessible path to get support, we can help prevent cases of type 2 diabetes before they develop."

Here's how it works: adults visit the program website and complete a two-minute self-screening. Those who are "at risk" are immediately connected to no-cost nutrition support, including one-on-one virtual sessions with a licensed dietitian delivered through Season Health. The entire path from screening to dietitian appointment is designed to be simple, fast and barrier-free.

"Real impact comes from reaching people before they develop a chronic disease," said Dan Woods, CEO of El Camino Healthcare District and El Camino Health. "This focus on prevention and early intervention, and meeting individuals 'where they are,' is an example of responsible, proactive healthcare delivery. By lowering barriers to screening and connecting people to practical, evidence-based nutrition guidance, we’re investing in long-term community health."

Nutrition support is central to the program because dietary changes are among the most clinically effective ways to reverse prediabetes. Working with a registered dietitian helps individuals understand how specific food choices affect blood sugar levels and metabolism, and how to make sustainable adjustments that fit their everyday lives.

"People are often surprised to learn how much of a difference small, mindful changes can make," said Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES, a registered dietitian with El Camino Health. "Prediabetes doesn't have to progress. With the right guidance, most people can turn it around."

The initiative will be supported through outreach to local organizations, community events, and ongoing communications across the District’s service area, which includes Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and portions of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto. 

To take the free two-minute prediabetes self-screening and access no-cost dietitian support, visit: www.elcaminohealthcaredistrict.org/prediabetes.

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