Written by Sharon Johnson
Approximately 24 million Americans or 8% of the American population is diabetic. The vast majority of these diabetics have type II diabetes, a preventable disease. An additional 57 million Americans or about 26% of the American adult population are pre-diabetic or have blood glucose levels above normal but not high enough to be considered diabetic. Without lifestyle change, most pre-diabetics will become diabetics within 10 years.
The current cost of care for diabetics in America is an annual $174 billion. Should the 57 million pre-diabetics join the current 24 million diagnosed diabetics, this number could easily double take a bite out of corporate profits and government budgets.
Aside from the cost of care the cost to individuals are significant. Diabetics have 2 to 4 times the risk of heart disease and stroke compared to non-diabetics. It’s also a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations.
What can be done? First learn your risk for developing type II diabetes by getting screened. You should maintain a schedule of being tested every 3 years after age 45. Ask your doctor or clinical physiologist to explain the test results and provide tips on how to lower your numbers if need be. Second, ensure that your lifestyle includes regular exercise, a healthy diet and keep your body weight within the recommended range for your height. Research shows that 30 minutes of exercise a day along with weight loss (5 – 10% of current body weight) can reduce the risk of pre-diabetes from becoming type II diabetes by nearly 60%. Learn more about prevention from the American Diabetes Association.
Testing for High Blood Glucose
A simple blood test, called the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, will tell you if your glucose levels are too high. To learn more about your diabetes risk or to get tested, go to BaySport.com and contact an office nearest you.
Sources: American Diabetes Association , National Diabetes Education Program and CDC
