A Significant Proportion of Adults in the Community May Be Unaware They Are Living with Prediabetes
The El Camino Healthcare District has launched a comprehensive new initiative aimed at tackling one of the most widespread yet underrecognized health concerns in its community—prediabetes. According to estimates informed by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all adults living in Mountain View and nearby areas may have prediabetes. Even more concerning is that approximately 81 percent of those affected are unaware of their condition, leaving them at significantly increased risk of progressing to more serious health complications, including Type 2 Diabetes.
In response to this growing public health challenge, the District has introduced the “Outsmart Prediabetes” program, a proactive and community-centered effort designed to improve awareness, promote early detection, and provide accessible support for individuals at risk. This initiative is a key component of the District’s broader population health strategy, which identifies prediabetes as the most prevalent chronic condition among adults in the region.
John Zoglin, chair of the El Camino Healthcare District Board of Directors, emphasized the urgency of addressing this silent epidemic. He noted that prediabetes often goes unnoticed because it rarely presents obvious symptoms, allowing it to progress undetected in many individuals. “Prediabetes is one of the most pressing yet least recognized health issues facing our community,” Zoglin explained. “When eight out of ten people don’t even know they have it, the opportunity for early intervention is being missed. By helping individuals recognize their risk sooner and connecting them with the right resources, we can significantly reduce the number of people who go on to develop Type 2 Diabetes.”
At the heart of the Outsmart Prediabetes program is a streamlined and user-friendly approach to screening and intervention. Adults are encouraged to visit the program’s website, where they can complete a quick, two-minute self-assessment to evaluate their risk level. This digital screening tool is designed to remove traditional barriers such as time constraints, cost concerns, and limited access to healthcare providers.
Individuals identified as “at risk” are immediately offered access to no-cost nutritional support services. These services include personalized, one-on-one virtual consultations with licensed dietitians, delivered in partnership with Season Health. By integrating technology with professional healthcare guidance, the program ensures that participants can seamlessly transition from risk identification to actionable support without unnecessary delays.
Dan Woods, CEO of El Camino Healthcare District and El Camino Health, highlighted the importance of shifting healthcare priorities toward prevention rather than treatment. He explained that initiatives like Outsmart Prediabetes exemplify a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery. “The greatest impact we can make is by reaching individuals before chronic diseases take hold,” Woods said. “By focusing on early intervention and making support easily accessible, we are not only improving individual health outcomes but also strengthening the long-term well-being of our entire community.”
Nutrition plays a central role in the program’s strategy, as dietary changes are widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for managing and even reversing prediabetes. Through guided sessions with registered dietitians, participants gain a deeper understanding of how their food choices influence blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and overall metabolic health. These experts work closely with individuals to develop realistic and sustainable dietary plans tailored to their lifestyles, cultural preferences, and personal health goals.
Sheri Gaw, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist at El Camino Health, underscored the transformative potential of small but consistent lifestyle changes. She explained that many people underestimate the impact of everyday habits on their health. “It’s often surprising for individuals to see how modest adjustments—like improving meal balance, increasing physical activity, or reducing processed sugar intake—can lead to meaningful improvements in blood glucose control,” Gaw said. “The encouraging news is that prediabetes is not a life sentence. With the right support and guidance, it can often be reversed.”
Beyond individual support, the Outsmart Prediabetes program also places a strong emphasis on community engagement. The District plans to collaborate with local organizations, host community events, and conduct ongoing outreach campaigns to ensure that residents across its service area are informed and empowered. This includes communities in Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and parts of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto.
By combining education, accessibility, and personalized care, the initiative aims to create a culture of proactive health management. The program not only addresses immediate health risks but also seeks to reduce the long-term burden of chronic diseases on the healthcare system.
Ultimately, the Outsmart Prediabetes program represents a significant step forward in community health innovation. By prioritizing early detection and providing practical, evidence-based interventions, the El Camino Healthcare District is working to close the awareness gap and give individuals the tools they need to take control of their health. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the free, two-minute screening and explore the available support services as a first step toward preventing Type 2 Diabetes and improving overall well-being.
About the El Camino Healthcare District
The El Camino Hospital District was established by voter approval in 1956 in accordance with California Local Hospital District Law. The purpose of the district is to establish, maintain and operate or provide assistance in the operation of health facilities and other health care services, provider groups and organizations that are necessary for the maintenance of good physical and mental health in the communities served by the district.
The district, now known as El Camino Healthcare District, encompasses most of Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, a large portion of Sunnyvale, and small sections of Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto. The publicly elected El Camino Healthcare District Board of Directors approves tax dollar expenditures, including expenditures for the award-winning Community Benefit program. Community Benefit funds are granted each year to local nonprofits, schools and government programs that provide critical health services to the underserved. All district board meetings are publicly noticed, open to the public, and available for viewing on the district website.
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