According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 54 million people in the United States who have “pre-diabetes,” glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.  20.8 million children and adults have full blown diabetes, but nearly 1/3 of them don’t know it.

The danger of a pre-diabetic advancing into Type 2 Diabetes is only part of the problem.  Recent research has shown that some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system may already be occurring during pre-diabetes.

Let’s take a look at who may be at risk for developing diabetes and pre-diabetes...

Diabetes is common among all ages and races, but the aging population and certain ethnic groups tend to be at a higher risk than others.  Also, a family history of diabetes, poor diet, regular alcohol consumption or being overweight may increase risks. 

The American Diabetes Association has on online diabetes risk test that you can take at http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp.  The best way to determine if you have or are at risk for pre-diabetes is a blood glucose test.

Your doctor’s office may use one of two tests to determine if you are pre-diabetic:

• The Fasting Plasma Glucose test (FPG) is a blood test.
• The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is an oral test. 
  

Both measure your blood glucose levels and indicate if you have diabetes, pre-diabetes or your level of risk.

But there is good news!  Managing your blood glucose level in the pre-diabetic stage and delay or even prevent Type 2 diabetes from developing.

The Diabetes Prevention Program study showed that some medications may delay the development of diabetes, but diet and exercise proved to work better.  The effects of just a little bit of lifestyle change had a huge impact.  30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight produced a 58% reduction in diabetes.

The best ways to prevent diabetes or pre-diabetes:

• Controlling or losing weight (if you are overweight)
• Eating plenty of low-fat meals: fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Staying active on a consistent basis

It is always a great idea to schedule a thorough physical each year with your doctor’s office, complete with a blood glucose test.

Since a 5-10% reduction in bodyweight is a significant factor in the prevention of diabetes or reversal of pre-diabetes, you might want to consider a weight loss program for the new year.  The Doctor’s Office, LLC provides a Physician-Supervised Weight Loss program.  Ask your provider for more details.

Other Resources:

Diabetes/Diabetes Prevention Food Pyramid

Healthy Holiday Meal Planning Schedules