Millions of Americans Face Prediabetes: What Older Adults Should Understand

Chief Medical Officer of Signify Health

During Diabetes Awareness Month and throughout the year, one number is hard to ignore: more than 115 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, and 8 out of 10 are unaware of it. In addition, more than 40 million U.S. adults are living with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. That is why awareness, screening and preventive action matter so much.

As a physician, I have seen the effect diabetes can have on health and quality of life. When it comes to Type 2 diabetes, prevention is especially important. The encouraging news is that simple daily choices can help reduce risk and support better management. Here is what I recommend:

Be proactive: learn your numbers and your risk

Understanding your risk factors is one of the first steps toward lowering your chances of developing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for about 90% of all cases, is more often diagnosed in adults age 45 and older. A diet high in processed foods and sugar, lack of physical activity, smoking and a family history of diabetes can all raise the risk.

Making lifestyle changes that focus on regular activity and a healthy weight can be highly effective. Even a modest weight loss of 5% to 10% of baseline body weight, along with at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, can cut the risk of developing diabetes by more than 50%.

Know your diabetes status

Get screened early

Begin screening for prediabetes at age 35, especially if you have other risk factors. For people already living with diabetes, routine checks of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function and certain cancers are important for tracking how well the condition is being managed and for helping prevent complications.

It is never too late to become more active, eat a balanced diet and stop smoking, even if you already have diabetes.

A health care provider can help identify your risk factors, recommend healthy changes and create a screening plan for prevention and management.

Stay on track with support

Support from health care providers, caregivers, friends or family can make a major difference. Signify Health also offers help.

During an In-Home Health Evaluation from Signify Health, an experienced physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant spends up to an hour with eligible health plan members in the comfort of their home. The clinician can perform diabetes screenings, review medications, answer questions and offer personalized recommendations for preventing and managing diabetes. A summary of the visit is then shared with the member, their primary care provider and health plan. If needed, Signify Health can also help members find a primary care provider and arrange the first appointment.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, I encourage everyone to take a proactive approach to their health. Awareness is the first step, but action can change the course of a person’s health.

Learn more

To see whether you are eligible for a no-cost In-Home Health Evaluation from Signify Health, visit HelloSignify.com.