An Ounce of Prevention: "Identifying Pre-diabetes Is Important!"

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November 13, 2007	A Publication of QVHD

Identifying Pre-diabetes Is Important!

By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD

41 million people are on their way to developing diabetes and don't even know it (according to the National Institutes of Health, National Diabetes Education Program.) Most people have heard of the disease, diabetes. But have you heard of pre-diabetes? Or maybe you have been told that you have pre-diabetes. Taking action on this condition is very important because studies have shown that with early identification and intervention, pre-diabetics can cut their odds of getting the disease by up to 60%!

Pre-diabetes is even hard to self-identify, as there may be no early warning signs. Pre-diabetes is defined as a blood sugar level that is higher than normal, but not high enough to be called diabetes. (You may have heard of the terms "impaired glucose tolerance" or "impaired fasting glucose." These terms represent the same process as pre-diabetes.) The only way to know this level is to have your glucose level ("blood sugar") measured. There are some risk factors that increase the odds of getting diabetes. They are: Age 45 or older; overweight; African American, Hispanic, Asian American, Pacific Islander or American Indian; having a parent, brother or sister with diabetes; having high blood pressure; having a low HDL (good cholesterol); having high triglycerides; having had diabetes when pregnant or gave birth to a large baby (over 9 lbs); or inactivity, getting exercise fewer than three times per week. (Source: National Diabetes Education Program) The more risk factors you have, the greater the chance of becoming diabetic.

The reason there is so much "excitement" about identifying pre-diabetes is that with lifestyle and/or medication interventions before the onset of clinical diabetes, there is a very good chance that diabetes can be prevented. In fact, large research studies have shown that modest weight loss (7% of your body weight) and a modest increase in physical activity can delay the onset of diabetes and may prevent the onset altogether. Furthermore, this research indicates that weight is the strongest risk factor in the pre-diabetes.

If you are over age 45 and have never had a glucose test, you should, especially if you have other risk factors. Small steps can lead to huge rewards if you take this condition seriously.

For free, written information on Diabetes and Pre-diabetes, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

An Ounce of Prevention is a publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone: 248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor & Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district office.


Quinnipiack Valley Health District 1151 Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473	Phone. (203)248-4528 Fax. (203)248-6671 E-Mail. info@qvhd.org

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