By Shannin Prather
October 2017 | 2017 Fall Newsletter
A 2016 study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and California Center for Public Health Advocacy indicated that 46% of Santa Clara County adults are estimated to have prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes.
Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels rise higher than normal, leading to risks of developing diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. People with prediabetes may progress to type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that you can stop the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes by making smart choices. Small changes such as eating healthy foods; adding physical activity to your daily routine; and maintaining a healthy weight can bring your blood sugar level back to normal.
Prediabetes affects adults as well as children. The lifestyle changes listed above can prevent progression to diabetes in adults and may also help children regain normal blood sugar levels.
Though the exact cause of prediabetes is unknown, certain factors increase a person’s risk for developing diabetes. These include:
- Family history— a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Race—African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are more likely to develop prediabetes
- Age—the risk of prediabetes increases after age 45
- Weight—fatty tissue (especially around your abdomen) is more resistant to insulin
- Diet—eating processed or red meats and drinking beverages sweetened with sugar is associated with a higher risk of prediabetes
In most cases, type 2 diabetes develops gradually, making the symptoms hard to detect. The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood glucose screening for adults at age 45; earlier if you are overweight and have additional risk factors for type 2 diabetes. If you are over age 45, or have one or more of the above risks factors, talk to your doctor about getting a blood glucose screening.
A simple test is available to determine risk for prediabetes; visit doihaveprediabetes.org.
A 2016 study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and California Center for Public Health Advocacy indicated that 46% of Santa Clara County adults are estimated to have prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes.
Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels rise higher than normal, leading to risks of developing diabetes, heart disease, and strokes. People with prediabetes may progress to type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that you can stop the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes by making smart choices. Small changes such as eating healthy foods; adding physical activity to your daily routine; and maintaining a healthy weight can bring your blood sugar level back to normal.
Prediabetes affects adults as well as children. The lifestyle changes listed above can prevent progression to diabetes in adults and may also help children regain normal blood sugar levels.
Though the exact cause of prediabetes is unknown, certain factors increase a person’s risk for developing diabetes. These include:
- Family history— a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Race—African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are more likely to develop prediabetes
- Age—the risk of prediabetes increases after age 45
- Weight—fatty tissue (especially around your abdomen) is more resistant to insulin
- Diet—eating processed or red meats and drinking beverages sweetened with sugar is associated with a higher risk of prediabetes
In most cases, type 2 diabetes develops gradually, making the symptoms hard to detect. The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood glucose screening for adults at age 45; earlier if you are overweight and have additional risk factors for type 2 diabetes. If you are over age 45, or have one or more of the above risks factors, talk to your doctor about getting a blood glucose screening.
A simple test is available to determine risk for prediabetes; visit doihaveprediabetes.org.