Not too late to reverse course

Prediabetes is a condition in which your glucose levels are consistently higher than normal, but not yet (emphasis on “yet”) high enough to lead to a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. It can happen as a result of often too many carbohydrates in your diet, too little physical activity in your life and being overweight. As it progresses, insulin resistance can accelerate, increasing weight gain and making it likely you will have high blood pressure and elevated lousy cholesterol. That’s how prediabetes increases your risk for heart attack and stroke, but chances are you don’t even know you have it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 84% of people with prediabetes are unaware of it.

Why is prediabetes so invisible? Prediabetes sails under your radar for a bunch of reasons. First, it is often symptomfree while it’s doing harm to your internal organs and vascular system. Second, you don’t go to the doctor regularly for wellness checks and screenings. Third, if you are at the doctor’s for an acute health problem (strep throat, say) your physician probably doesn’t take the opportunity to screen for prediabetes. And fourth, even if you are diagnosed, not much happens: Only 5% of folks diagnosed with prediabetes are referred to a diabetes prevention program or weight loss program. On top of that, far less than half of folks who are referred join the recommended program.

To help correct that situation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has issued new recommendations on screening for prediabetes. They suggest everyone who is overweight or obese be screened starting at age 35. We suggest that overlooks the serious risk to younger people, including children, from elevated glucose levels. We urge a blood test annually for all overweight children, teens and young adults. After all, obesity affects 13.4% of 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.3% of 6- to 11-year-olds, and 21.2% of 12- to 19-year-olds, and overweight is even more common.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare.com.