Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that cannot be prevented, but it is not the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common and to a large extent, it can be prevented with preventive health care services. With a healthy lifestyle that includes proper diet, regular exercise and no smoking, your risk for diabetes decreases dramatically.

Screening for diabetes is vital, especially for those who are at a higher risk for the disease. Over 30% of people who have diabetes are unaware that they have it. This is why screening for diabetes is necessary. It is important to get it under control and develop a plan to manage it if you are found to have it.

When diabetes is left untreated, you run the risk of developing additional serious health problems. Blood pressure can reach dangerously high levels, causing harmful complications. These include kidney failure, blindness, amputations and heart disease.

Are You at Risk?

According to the American Diabetes Association, people over the age of 45 should be screened for diabetes. Those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels should also get screened, as these are risk factors for the disease. Other risk factors include:

• Obesity
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of diabetes or high blood sugar
• Previous high blood sugar
• Prediabetes
• A history of gestational diabetes

The Screening Process

The process used for diabetes screening is simple and can be done in one appointment. Blood tests are administered to check your blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels, glycated hemoglobin and other measures. You may be required to fast in order to get accurate readings for your blood sugar and cholesterol tests.

If testing shows no indication of diabetes, you will not need screening for a few years. If the results are positive, your doctor may advise another fasting plasma glucose test to confirm the results. If the test is positive a second time, lifestyle changes and/or medicinal treatment will begin to help you manage your blood sugar.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Michael.