Stemming the Tide of Diabetes: Screening for Pre-Diabetes

Researchers at RTI International, North Carolina report an epidemic of diabetes in the US, correlated to this country's rising rate of overweight and obese people. Thomas Hoerger, Ph.D., author of a study published in Diabetes Care based on research funded by the CDC states that 66% of US citizens are overweight or obese and therefore at risk for developing diabetes.

Their findings recommend pre-screening of at risk adults aged 45-74 with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), warning signs of progression to diabetes. Once identified, it is recommended that persons with pre-diabetes be treated with a Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention.

Not only would this enhance quality of life for middle aged adults and seniors, but it will save money to the health care system. Extra weight has been found to not only decrease our expected life span but makes it more take care of ourselves - limiting us in even basic functions like bending over to pick something up. It's not just diabetes that the extra weight puts us at risk for - it's high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, stroke - and now just plain not being able to function.

Obese elderly have a greater risk of being disabled. Sorry to be so blunt about it - but if you are overweight - you increase your risk of death from disease and disability. Move more, eat less, be healthier and live longer.

Thank you Malingering for use of your photo from the ridiculous los angelos series.

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