In the United States, nearly 98 million people have prediabetes but 81% are unaware, health officials say.

Christopher Holliday, the director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Diabetes Translation, tells News 12 that by not knowing, people are putting themselves at serious risk for other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

"The good news is that prediabetes can be prevented, and type 2 diabetes can be delayed or reversed," says Holiday.

Doctors say people should test their blood sugar levels to see if they are elevated. If they are, that is a sign one could possibly have type 2 diabetes.

There is also an online screening test of seven questions people can answer to determine their risk.

Doctors say lifestyle changes that can prevent prediabetes include increasing physical activity, making healthier food choices, not smoking and managing one's weight.

Keeping a journal to track eating and work out habits to identify what is and is not working can be helpful.