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Diabetes is an epidemic in the U.S. People at risk need to be screened and diagnosed early.
Diabetes is rising fast in the United States. In the last 15 years, the number of Americans with diagnosed diabetes has more than doubled, reaching 14.6 million in 2005. Plus, medical professionals estimate that as many as 6 to 7 million more people have diabetes and don't know it, and an additional 41 million U.S. adults between the ages of 40 and 74 have pre-diabetes.
All this translates to a lifetime risk for diabetes of 1 in 3 (for people born in the U.S. in 2000). Lifetime risk is even higher for Hispanic females at 1 in 2 and African Americans and Hispanics overall at 2 in 5. That means, in general, that an individual born in 2000 will have at least a 33 percent chance of developing diabetes unless circumstances change.
While there are two types of diabetes, the most common is referred to as Type 2 – 90 to 95 percent of the people with diabetes have this type.
Why are the numbers of people with Type 2 diabetes rising?
Diabetes is easy to diagnose at an early stage and the tests are inexpensive. In fact, blood tests can identify pre-diabetes. When pre-diabetes is detected, steps can be taken to help you avoid or at least postpone getting diabetes.
So, why are the numbers going up?
- Often, people with Type 2 diabetes have few or no symptoms, especially in the early stages. Symptoms usually develop slowly and may go unnoticed for months or even years.
- Some individuals who suspect they may have diabetes or are in danger for getting diabetes don't want their fears confirmed.
- Historically, only people who doctors suspected might have diabetes were screened, usually those who reported symptoms or those at high risk. Today, work is being done to gain consensus that all adults undergo a blood test for diabetes by age 45 and have additional tests every three years thereafter.
Why get screened?
Regular medical check-ups will help you identify the condition early and get proper treatment. By the time symptoms appear, you may already be developing complications affecting nearly every major organ in your body. If your doctor identifies pre-diabetes, you can still avoid getting diabetes. If he or she detects diabetes early, you can prevent or delay the onset of complications.
Who should be screened?
While the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases with age, people can develop it at any age, even during childhood. Many healthcare providers recommend universal screening for adults at age 45. Earlier screening is recommended for those with additional factors that put them at high risk. They include:
| Fatigue |
Excessive thirst |
| Frequent need to urinate |
Unexplained weight fluctuations |
| Extreme hunger |
Tingling/numbness in hands or feet |
| Very dry or itchy skin |
Red, swollen tender gums |
Sudden blurred vision or floating spots
in your vision |
Slow healing sores or frequent infections |
| Foamy looking urine |
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- A family history of diabetes.
- Obesity, especially if extra weight is distributed around your abdomen.
- Race/ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for Type 2 diabetes.
- Physical inactivity.
- Delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
- Certain medical conditions such as:
| High blood pressure |
Elevated cholesterol |
| Elevated triglycerides |
Coronary artery disease |
| Past gestational diabetes |
Polycystic ovary syndrome |
| Fatty liver |
Chronic pancreatitis |
- Use of certain medications including some chemotherapy agents, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers.
The more risk factors you have, the more likely you will get Type 2 diabetes.
Don't wait. If you suspect you have diabetes or have one or more risk factors, talk to your doctor. The earlier you know, the more control you will have.
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