Personal Best Health Wellness - Checking for Diabetes

A surprising number of young people who appear healthy are developing type 2 diabetes, the adult-onset form typically appearing after age 45-50.

The number of 30-something Americans diagnosed with diabetes has increased more than 70% in the past 10 years. Scientists aren’t clear why, except the growing rate of overweight and under-exercised people must be contributing factors.

Unchecked, diabetes and its associated high blood sugar levels can cause serious damage years before obvious symptoms appear. The younger you are when you develop diabetes, the higher your risk of complications, such as heart attack, kidney failure or blindness.

You are at risk for diabetes if . . .

• You have a parent or sibling with diabetes.
• You had a baby weighing 9+ pounds.
• You are seriously overweight.
• You get little or no daily exercise.
• You are age 45 or older (when risk soars).
• You are African-American, Hispanic-American or Native American.

Consult your provider about diabetes screening if you have one or more of the risks listed above.

3 ways to fight diabetes now:

1. Lose weight. In the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), an average weight loss of 15 pounds (for a 200-pound individual) was enough to help prevent diabetes in those at risk.
2. Stay active. The DPP found 30 minutes of moderate aerobic (nonstop) exercise (in which you break a sweat) 5 days a week can reduce blood sugar levels; brisk walking can achieve this result. Strength-training can further improve blood sugar. JAMA, 10/03
3. Cut saturated fat. Diabetes risk increased by nearly 60% with a regular diet of red meat, fried foods and full-fat dairy, as well as refined grains and sweets. Risk decreased with diets rich in cereal fiber, fruits, veggies and legumes and low in saturated fat and trans fatty acids (in foods made with partially hydrogenated fat). JAMA, 2001