Are You at Risk for Pre-Diabetes?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates one out of every three U.S. adults, or 79 million people over age 20, had pre-diabetes in 2010. To make matters worse, the most people who are pre-diabetic don’t know they are at risk.

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes as a result of pre-diabetes:

· Being 45 or older

· Being overweight

· Having a parent or sibling with diabetes

· Being African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander

· Having diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or giving birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more

· Being physically active less than three times a week

Early detection of pre-diabetes is crucial because early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious health issues that diabetes can cause, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, or nerve damage.

You can also take a screening test at the CDCP website at www.cdc.gov, and type the word “pre-diabetes” in the search box. If the test shows you have pre-diabetes, contact your health provider as soon as possible. If you are unable to take the test online, simply call your provider. If you and your provider determine that you do have pre-diabetes, enrolling in an evidence-based lifestyle program can lower your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. People with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by losing 5% to 7% of their weight, which is 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. Weight loss can be achieved by making lasting lifestyle changes to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was created for people with pre-diabetes or those who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes. The program, which lasts one year, covers topics like making healthier food choices, managing stress and staying motivated. Participants get the help and support needed to make and sustain the lifestyle changes that can prevent type 2 diabetes. To learn more and find a session in your area, visit the pre-diabetes prevention website listed above or call 1-800-232-4636 (TTY: 888-232-6348).

The P2 Collaborative of Western New York is hosting a quarterly meeting on Friday, September 13, 2013 on local pre-diabetes and diabetes prevention programs from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at Templeton Landing, 2 Templeton Place, Buffalo New York 14202. Dr. David Marrero, Director of the Diabetes Translational Research Center at Indiana University, will discuss the diabetes epidemic and preventive strategies. Breakfast will be served and all are welcome to attend. Register for the event at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7491552435 or call 716-923-6572.

The P2 Collaborative of WNY is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of people in WNY by empowering residents to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. Learn more at www.p2wny.org.