Diabetes is affecting more people, and at younger ages and higher rates, than ever before, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
Many victims are forewarned by a case of pre-diabetes – a key indicator of the potential risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart attack and/or stroke. Pre-diabetes is when blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
The problem with pre-diabetes is that it is asymptomatic. It can go undetected if not checked.
The most common test for determining pre-diabetes is Hemoglobin A1C, followed by a fasting blood-sugar and the somewhat outdated oral glucose tolerance test.
A normal A1C blood-sugar level is anything less than 5.7, while a pre-diabetic A1C range falls between 5.7 and 6.4. Levels of 6.5 or higher indicate diabetes, he explains. A normal blood-sugar level is 99 or less. By comparison, pre-diabetic levels are 100 to 125, with diabetic levels 126 or above.
“The goal is to diagnose the condition before it progresses to diabetes, which can lead to an array of life-changing complications, like vision problems, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage in the lower limbs and foot problems,” Dr. Gaspard says. “Patients need to be pro-active and aggressive about managing their pre-diabetes by following the directions of their healthcare provider.”
Facts About Pre-diabetes
One in three American adults – or 96 million people – suffers from pre-diabetes. And more than 8 out of 10 don’t realize they have it. If ignored, Type 2 diabetes can develop and worsen within five years. (Source: CDC)
“If the condition progresses from a pre-diabetic stage to full-blown diabetes, it becomes a serious condition that must be managed for the rest of that person’s life,” says Dr. Gaspard.
It’s not unusual for patients to arrive at a doctor’s office and discover they have diabetes. “Those detached from a healthcare regimen believe their health is fine, but are shocked when they learn that diabetes is active within their body,” he says.
Seniors are predisposed because of age and underlying conditions. But studies show that race and ethnicity also come into play. Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Pacific Islanders, and some of Asian descent are at a particularly high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. (Source: CDC)
Questions and Management
A healthy diet, medication management and routine exercise are all vital to reducing and possibly eradicating pre-diabetes risks. Weight loss, even by just 5% to 7% of total body weight, effectively reduces diabetic risks.
“And exercise improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin to help manage stress,” says Dr. Gaspard. “As the body ages so, too, do the organs. If the pancreas – which is your insulin producing organ – has been stressed over time, it may fail earlier because of dietary excess. It’s important to avoid refined sugars, corn syrup, soft drinks and sweets.”
Not everyone with pre-diabetes requires medications. Some patients who commit to a more healthful lifestyle can organically improve and even potentially cure their condition.
But many people at risk of Type 2 diabetes may require medicine – metformin being the most common of these.
“When visiting a healthcare provider, be sure to ask questions about available medications, possible additional testing, vaccinations, follow-ups, and how often lab work should be done to make sure the blood-sugar levels are within normal range,” suggests Dr. Gaspard. “It is critical for patients to take prescribed medications on time. Setting an alarm on their mobile phones or using a pill container with a timer can be helpful in ensuring this.”
Conviva New Braunfels is located at 1860 S. Sequin Ave., Building E, New Braunfels, Texas. For more information, call (830) 626-7770.
ABOUT CONVIVA
Conviva continues to reinvent excellence in healthcare by embracing meaningful patient relationships focused on producing optimal health outcomes. With nearly 150 convenient locations throughout Texas (Corpus Christi, El Paso and San Antonio) and Florida (Broward County, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County and Tampa/Gulf Coast), the vast community of Conviva Care Centers is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of more than 300 primary care physicians and over 800 affiliated specialists. They provide a wide range of vital healthcare services that patients require daily, including the advantages of senior care activity centers and 24/7 on-call providers. The success of Conviva is measured by its patients’ clinical outcomes and long-term health benefits. To learn more, visit ConvivaCareCenters.com, or call (833) CONVIVA.
Article by: Dr. Gaspard, Conviva Care Centers
