More than 18 million Americans have diabetes and about 5 million more have it and don't know it.

Diabetes increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and nervous system damage.

While the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the United States is on the rise, lifestyle changes could turn the trend around.

To decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, be physically active everyday, maintain a healthy weight and focus on healthy food choices using USDA's MyPyramid.gov.

If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a registered dietitian can develop a healthy eating plan that's right for you. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, enter your zip code in the "Find a Nutrition Professional" box on the left side of this page.