New Diabetes Screening Guidelines for Overweight
As the health standards are evolving, Diabetes is becoming common. Overweight individuals are at increased risk of getting it than the normal-weight population. The healthcare sector has been struggling to create new healthcare approaches for this chronic disease for a long time.
The good part is they develop new diabetes screening guidelines and management methods to cope with diabetes effectively. The USPSTF recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults aged 35.
This article will provide in-depth insights into current screening and management methods for diabetes. So, continue reading!
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when our body can’t control Blood Sugar efficiently. As a whole, diabetes is a severe problem, but it is alarming for overweight people.
Obesity is the leading cause of diabetes in most adults. Research shows overweight individuals are more likely to acquire type 2 diabetes. Let’s understand why it is so,
When a person has too much body fat, the body faces trouble using insulin. Insulin is the critical factor that helps regulate blood sugar in the body. When the insulin level diminishes in the body, the Blood Sugar Levels rise, leading to diabetes.
Why Does It Happen?
Extra fat, especially around the abdomen, affects body cells and starts inflammation in them. As a result, the body loses its ability to manage blood sugar levels, leading to diabetes.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is like an early warning sign for the development of diabetes. In this state, the blood sugar levels are high but not enough to qualify as type 2 diabetes. You can think of it as a yellow light before the red one.
In prediabetes, the body’s insulin uptake is slowly diminishing. If you don’t pay attention, it can convert into full-blown diabetes. Doctors now focus on screening for prediabetes because if detected on time, one can manage it with diet and exercise.
Early Screening for Diabetes
Diabetes screening is critical for people over the age of 35 years, according to new management guidelines. Screening on time can assist people in many ways,
1. Prevention of Complications
Detecting diabetes can help avoid the higher risk of various health problems. The problems include nerve damage, heart diseases, visual problems, and kidney problems.
2. Lifestyle Changes
Early screening for diabetes helps people to make required lifestyle changes. Some examples include adopting a healthy lifestyle, performing physical activities, and managing stress. These changes can aid with blood sugar management.
3. Medication
Early detection allows a patient to have medication early to manage sugar levels. It will also avoid the need for severe therapies later on.
4. Improve Quality of Life
Effective diabetes control can enhance the quality of life by reducing the burden of symptoms and consequences.
Risk Factors for Developing Diabetes
Understanding the risk factors of diabetes is the first step in taking control of your health. While not all risks develop diabetes, certain aspects can increase the chance. The standard and most fatal risk factors of developing diabetes include,
1. BMI
Your body mass index (BMI) is the significant risk behind diabetes. According to the CDC, people with BMI between 25-30 are more likely to develop diabetes than people with lower BMI.
2. Family History of Diabetes
If any of your family members have diabetes, there are chances that you will develop it moving forward in life, says the Centers for Disease Control.
3. Hypertension
People with high blood pressure lack proper usage of insulin. Hence, they are at greater risk of developing diabetes.
4. High levels of Bad Cholesterol
When a person has high-density lipoproteins (HDL), they develop glucose intolerance in the body. The development of glucose intolerance then contributes to diabetes
5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Women with polycystic syndrome (PCOS) have insulin resistance in them. Their body makes insulin but doesn’t use it effectively. Therefore, they put on weight very fast, leading to diabetes.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is the inability of the body to use blood sugar. It is of two types, generally Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Let’s discuss each type in detail.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. This type of diabetes develops in childhood or at younger ages. In this condition, the body does not produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin shots to manage it.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs because of a disturbance in lifestyle variables. It manifests itself at a young age but can develop at any age. The body either does not utilize insulin or produces enough in this condition. A person can manage it with lifestyle changes, medication, or insulin.
New Diabetes Screening Guidelines for Overweight
The new methods of diabetes screening follow all the previously developed tests of diagnosis. The only difference is new guidelines focus on screening at early ages to prevent damage to the body.
Type 1 Diabetes Screening
Type 1 diabetes affects how our body handles glucose. It is critical to diagnose diabetes to manage it efficiently. Screening for type 1 diabetes entails specialized testing and awareness of genetic variables. Below are the tests experts perform to diagnose type 1 diabetes.
1. Blood Glucose Test
In this procedure, the doctor takes blood sugar readings. This test checks glucose intolerance and fasting blood sugar. If the reading shows a high value of sugar levels, you may have type 1 diabetes.
2. Hemoglobin A1c Test
It is the most commonly used test to diagnose blood sugar, says Diabetes UK. In this test, the doctor assesses your average blood glucose over months. The higher A1c readings than the usual range represent type diabetes.
3. Ketone Testing
Ketones are metabolic residues of fat that break down in the body. Ketone testing checks the amount of ketones in the urine. If your urine suspects high ketone levels during testing, it shows you have type 1 diabetes.
Screening for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a common but treatable disease that affects how your body handles sugar. Early diagnosis through screening is critical to avoid difficulties. Let’s explore testing methods to identify type 2 diabetes.
1. Fasting Sugar Blood Test
This test determines your blood sugar levels after fasting overnight. If the test results show a reading exceeding 126 mg/dl on two different readings, you have diabetes.
2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
During this testing, your doctor asks you to consume a sweet solution and measure your blood sugar regularly. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dl or more after two hours of drinking sweet solution indicates diabetes.
3. Hemoglobin A1c Test
This test evaluates your average blood sugar over the previous two months. If A1c is more than 6.5%, it means you have diabetes.
Also, read “Can Diet and Exercise Reverse Type 2 Diabetes“
Diabetes Management Guidelines
Diabetes management is an integral part of preserving one’s health. It involves a well-structured approach with many essential measures to guarantee blood sugar levels and avoid diabetes complications. Here are must-follow strategies to manage diabetes effectively.
1. Diagnosis and Initial Assessment
The first and most crucial step in diabetes management is early diagnosis and assessment. In the evaluation, the doctor performs screening tests, diagnoses diabetes, and assesses overall health.
2. Lifestyle Changes
After assessment, the aspect doctors emphasize the most is lifestyle changes. They play an essential role in managing blood sugar levels. The key features of a healthy lifestyle include,
Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is the key to lead a healthy life. It includes avoiding processed foods, minimizing sugar intake, and adopting portion control. All these aspects together will help control sugar levels.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels. You should aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity. Also, consult your doctor before beginning a workout plan. He will help you provide the best and most tailored plan to suit your needs.
3. Medications
Medication also plays a crucial role in diabetes management. The first step to managing diabetes is always lifestyle changes. But, if you cannot control sugar levels with diabetes, you can opt for medications.
- Type 1 diabetes patients require insulin shots to manage it effectively.
- Patients with type 2 diabetes can have oral pills or injectable insulin. Remember not to use medication without your doctor’s prescription, as it can harm the body.
4. Regular Follow Ups
Apart from all the preventive measures, regular monitoring is also essential. You should pay a visit to a chronic disease management clinic regularly. It will help you know your current situation and allow your doctor to see treatment progress.
How PHNJ Can Help You in Diabetes Management
Do you want a diabetes management plan that suits your requirements?
At Prime Health of New Jersey, our team of experts specializes in providing personalized treatment for diabetes. The plan helps you manage the disease and improves your overall health. Feel free to contact our experts by clicking the link below.
Schedule an AppointmentKey Takeaways
- Diabetes is the root of many diseases. If not treated on time, it can give rise to several health complications.
- According to new diabetes screening guidelines for overweight by USPSTF, adults aged 35 and more must do screening for diabetes.
- In the previous 2015 recommendations, experts emphasized screening people aged 40 to 70 who are overweight or obese.
- Early screening allows the patient to identify the risk of developing diabetes at a late stage.
- It also helps them devise early treatment plans, which include diet and exercise.
- Treating diabetes beforehand prevents disease severity and saves the cost of harsh therapies.
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