In general, the best way to treat a condition is to prevent it from happening in the first place. To that end, the American Association of Diabetes Educators wants private health insurance companies and Medicare to include education as a benefit for those with pre-diabetes.

The group cites research that shows the cost savings such programs can have to support their position. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there are $174 billion in costs associated with the condition.

"We really view this as common sense. It is clear that diabetes education not only improves the health of people at risk, but generates a net savings to the health care system, to Medicare and to private insurance," said AADE President Deborah Fillman.

The AADE cites a study of over 3,200 overweight people with pre-diabetes that found intervention reduced the incidence of diabetes by over 70 percent in older adults.

The CDC estimates that 57 million Americans had pre-diabetes in 2007. The condition has been tied to an increase risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.