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How Do You Know If You Are At Risk For Diabetes?

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. More than 38 million Americans have diabetes yet one in five of them don’t know they have it.

Diabetes knows no boundaries as it impacts all genders, ages, ethnicities, races and more. But some groups are disproportionately affected including those 65 and older, people of color and those facing significant socioeconomic challenges.

In the U.S., nearly 98 million adults have prediabetes and more than eight out of 10 do not know they have it. When blood sugar levels are elevated but fall short of a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, that is considered prediabetes. Prediabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes but the good news is that it can often be reversed.

So how do you know if you are at risk for diabetes? If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, if you are overweight, 45 or older, or have a family history of diabetes your risk is elevated. Certain racial and ethnic groups have a higher risk including those who are Black, Hispanic or Native American.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes include high or low blood sugar, increased thirst and frequent urination, changes in your vision, fatigue, headaches and more. Uncontrolled and undiagnosed diabetes can lead to serious health issues. Diabetes can cause a heart attack or stroke, vision impairment, kidney failure and more. It is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States which is a startling statistic.

There are a few blood tests that can be used to diagnose diabetes. Testing your A1C level is one of the most effective ways to make a diagnosis, but a random or fasting blood sugar test, or a glucose tolerance test, are other diagnostic options. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it can be successfully managed in partnership with your healthcare provider. For any type of diabetes treatment to be successful, lifestyle changes are necessary. Your healthcare team can work with you to identify ways you can improve your diet and incorporate more exercise in your daily life.

Dr. Galustian can help you manage your diabetes through continuous glucose monitoring, glucose and A1C testing, nutritional counseling and treatment for diabetic foot ulcers and wounds. Schedule your appointment today by calling 201.225.7130 or visit www.newbridgehealth.org/diabetes for more information.