"It takes a lot of discipline," said Duane Cook.

From exercising to counting carbs, Cook is trying to change his life style.

"But it is hard. Especially to get started," Cook said.

For Cook finding the motivation was easy. After losing his father to diabetes, Cook’s doctor told him he was also at risk. Cook was one the 57 Million Americans diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

"I need to take it seriously and do what I can," Cook said.

High blood sugar, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, and obesity are all risk factors for pre-diabetes. If left untreated the condition can lead to Type 2 diabetes. But experts say it doesn't have to.

"If you change your lifestyle you can reduce your risk for developing diabetes by as much as 58 percent. That's pretty significant," said registered dietician Bridget Bigelow.

The diabetes care and resource center at Rochester General Hospital offers classes that teach those at risk the best ways to lose weight, lower, calorie intake, and exercise.

"Every positive thing you do can potentially ward off diabetes," Bigelow said.

Cook used what he learned in the classes to lose more than 20 pounds. To keep the weight off Cook closely tracks his diet and stays active. Cook says changing his life style was a long and a difficult process, but manageable with a little help.

"It is doable. Very definitely," Cook said.

For more on the “Healthy Nutrition” and “Preventing Diabetes” classes at Rochester General Hospital go to preventing diabetes class.