Did you know...
29.1 million people are living with Diabetes? That's about 1 in 11 people, with 1 out of every 4 of them not knowing they have Diabetes. A staggering 86 million people are living with Prediabetes! That's more than 1 out of every 3 adults. 9 out of every 10 people with Prediabetes don't even know they have it!
Know the difference between Diabetes and Prediabetes...
Diabetes is classified as Type 1 (born with it - requires insulin to be taken daily), Type 2 (acquired) can happen at any age, but especially over age 40. Greater risks include overweight, family history of diabetes, not physically active, women whom have had Gestational Diabetes. Gestational (during pregnancy with no history of Type 1 or Type 2). The condition of Diabetes is defined as having an elevated blood sugar level as a result of a reduced cell reaction to insulin or inadequate insulin synthesis in the body.
In contrast, Prediabetes is also a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as Type 2 Diabetes. Since Prediabetes often lacks symptoms, it can go undetected for years. So what is the big deal with having Prediabetes? If not brought under control, blood sugar levels could continue to rise until Type 2 Diabetes is fully developed. Additionally, living with Prediabetes puts you at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. The problem with having Diabetes amounts to more than the inconvenience of having to manage and monitor blood sugar levels, adhere to a stricter diet, and be aware of insulin...
Having Diabetes can lead to a host of other health issues:
cardiac issues - coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke
diabetic neuropathy - nerve damage
diabetic retinopathy - visual damage
kidney failure
slow healing wounds, amputations
diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome - coma from hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia (extreme swings in blood sugar - too high, too low)
The above is why it's vitally important to prevent Type 2 Diabetes!
Is Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes reversible?
YES! With proper education, lifestyle modifications, exercise, stress-reduction, and nutrition, BOTH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PREDIABETES ARE REVERSIBLE!
How do I know if I have Prediabetes?
If you've been following me for awhile, you've heard me say it before... TEST, DON'T GUESS! It's important to KNOW YOUR NUMBERS and to UNDERSTAND YOUR RISKS. Find out if you have Prediabetes today: https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest/
Diabetes is costly!
The average medical expense for those diagnosed with Diabetes averages $16,750 annually. The need to PREVENT Type 2 Diabetes is here, it's now, and it's possible!
If your risk test score is 5 or higher and/or you have been told by your physician:
your body mass index (BMI) is 25 or higher (23 if Asian American)
your Hemoglobin A1C is between 5.7-6.4%
your fasting plasma glucose is between 110-125 mg/dL
your 2-hour plasma glucose (after a 75 g glucose load) is between 140-199 mg/dL
you have had gestational diabetes
It's time to take control of you health!
Sign up for the Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Lifestyle Change Program Question and Answer session to learn about this virtual/distance-learning, live, group program with CDC approved curriculum offered by Health Coach For You, LLC, a CDC recognized provider. Register here: https://p.bttr.to/3N1O6Ry
