November is American Diabetes Month – Know the Facts
Posted on October 14, 2021
Diabetes is a growing health crisis in America. Nearly one in ten American adults have diabetes, the highest rate on record, and one in three Americans have prediabetes. “Perhaps most disturbing of all,” says Dr. Chelsea Gordner, an endocrinologist with Baystate Endocrinology, “is the fact that so many people aren’t even aware they have either condition.”
Dr. Gordner adds, “The cause for concern is very real as diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, the seventh leading cause of death in the country, and can result in serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and limb amputation. In addition, it’s one of the chronic conditions that increases the risk that a coronavirus infection will lead to severe illness, hospitalization or even death. Simply put, detection is key to preventing any of the potential negative outcomes of the disease.”
Risk Factors for Prediabetes
You are at risk for developing prediabetes if you:
- Are overweight
- Are age 35 or older
- Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Are physically active less than 3 times a week
- Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
- Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian, or Alaska Native (some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are also at higher risk)
“Early detection is critical as the longer you have prediabetes, the greater the risk of developing complications. Screenings are relatively simple and if it reveals someone has prediabetes, they can then take steps to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes,” notes Dr. Gordner.
Diabetes Prevention is Possible
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. While prevention may not be possible in every case there are steps you can take to delay or slow its progress. The key to it all is insulin. According to Dr. Gordner, “Your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make. The good news is you can actually exert some control over your insulin levels through lifestyle changes and habits and potentially delay or even prevent the onset of full-blown diabetes.”
Some of the most beneficial actions you can take to help include eating healthy, exercising, getting a good night’s sleep, and quitting tobacco.
If you have concerns about diabetes or its risk factors, please talk with your primary care provider at your next visit, or schedule an appointment for a diabetes screening.
Source: Baystate Health – https://www.baystatehealth.org/news/2021/09/prediabetes
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