Who is at risk?
by Amy Magnuson, MS, RD

According to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson, nearly 16 million Americans have a type of high blood sugar known as “impaired glucose tolerance” or in simpler terms “pre-diabetes.” In this condition, the body is unable to release or produce adequate insulin to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. In most cases, pre-diabetes usually leads to full-blown diabetes. Currently, an additional 17 million Americans have diabetes which contributes to health care costs of nearly $100 billion.

Approximately 90-95% of those with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, which is most likely, the result of lifestyle. Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, is an autoimmune deficiency that usually occurs in childhood.

People with diabetes are two to four times more likely than others to have cardiovascular trouble such as heart disease or stroke. Diabetes is also the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, and amputations. Nearly 180,000 Americans die each year from diabetes related problems.

How do I know if I am at risk?

The following are risk factors for Type 2 diabetes:

What do I do to prevent this condition?

According to the April 2002 issue of Diabetes Care, all adults over the age of 40, and especially those overweight, should be screened regularly for pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Diet and exercise can help to delay and possibly even prevent this condition in individuals who are at risk. Walking just 30 minutes a day and losing only 15 pounds can cut in half the risk of getting full-blown diabetes in patients with pre-diabetes.

To assist individuals in preventing these problems or managing their condition, MDdiets specifically tailors a program for individuals who are at risk or who are diagnosed with diabetes. The program includes a healthy diet plan, regular exercise plan, and health and wellness recommendations from physicians, dietitians and fitness professionals. Members receive his or her personal dietitian and fitness trainer to monitor their progress and answer questions along the way.