The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have introduced an initiative that strives to increase understanding about prediabetes amongst the public. They aim to achieve this via an online one-minute risk test designed to identify individuals who may be unknowingly living with this serious health condition, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes as reported by KXAN.
Prediabetes is marked by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not quite high enough for a diabetes diagnosis, says Dr. Christopher Holliday. He leads the Division of Diabetes Translation for the CDC while also having a lead role in the 'Do I Have Prediabetes?' campaign. Affecting one in three US adults, 81% of the nearly 98 million affected individuals are unaware they even have the condition because it typically doesn't display symptoms.
The one-minute risk test includes questions about factors such as weight, diets, family history of Type 2 diabetes, and levels of physical activity. While the test does not serve to diagnose, it's purpose is to provide an assessment of whether a person is at a high risk for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, Dr. Holliday opined. The campaign has spread its message through national public service announcements (PSA) and offers an easily accessible online risk test to prompt people towards identifying a potential health issue. This encourages an active step towards prevention or delay according to a Fox 7 Austin.
Early detection of prediabetes enables prompt preventative measures, thereby delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes and other major health consequences. Dr. Holliday said "The good news is that prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes able to be prevented or delayed, and it's done through modest lifestyle changes," as per KXAN report. Small changes like adopting a healthier diet, maintaining regular physical activity, and a healthy weight can critically decrease the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and its complications.
For more information, visit the https://doihaveprediabetes.org
