Millions of Americans Live With Prediabetes: What Older Adults Should Understand

Chief Medical Officer of Signify Health

(NAPSI)—During Diabetes Awareness Month and throughout the year, one number stands out: More than 115 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, and 8 in 10 do not realize it. In addition, more than 40 million U.S. adults are living with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes. That is why awareness, screening and prevention are so important.

As a physician, I have seen how deeply diabetes can affect health and quality of life. When it comes to Type 2 diabetes, prevention matters. The encouraging news is that everyday steps can help reduce risk and support better management. Here is what I recommend.

Be proactive: Know your numbers, know your risk

Understanding your risk factors is one of the first ways to lower the chance of developing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which makes up about 90% of all diabetes cases, is diagnosed more often in adults age 45 and older. Risk also rises with diets high in processed foods and sugar, physical inactivity, smoking, and a family history of the disease.

Making lifestyle changes that increase physical activity and support a healthy weight is one of the best ways to help prevent Type 2 diabetes. Even a modest weight loss of 5% to 10% of baseline weight, along with at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, can reduce 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 risk factors. For people already living with diabetes, regular checks of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function and certain cancers are important for tracking disease control and helping prevent complications.

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

A health care provider can help you understand your risk factors, suggest healthy lifestyle changes and create a screening schedule for diabetes prevention and management.

Stay on track with support

Having support from health care providers, caregivers, friends or family members can make a real difference. Signify Health can also 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. Clinicians 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 help members find a primary care provider and schedule a first appointment.

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

Learn more

To check your eligibility for a no-cost In-Home Health Evaluation from Signify Health, visit HelloSignify.com.