By: Vanessa Flannery, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Fresh Start Health, Grayson
Type 2 diabetes is a common and serious disease in the United States and worldwide. However, it’s thought that one-third of those with type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have this serious illness. Because often there are no symptoms with type 2 diabetes, early screening may help people avoid the more serious complications of this disease, including chronic hyperglycemia that’s associated with long-term damage of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Persons with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Individuals with diabetes also have a greater likelihood of abnormal cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Who Should Be Screened for Diabetes?
According to the American Diabetes Association, all patients should be screened for diabetes at three-year intervals beginning at age 45, especially people who are overweight or obese. If multiple risk factors are present, screening should be done at an earlier age and more frequently. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults with high blood pressure or high cholesterol be screened for type 2 diabetes (insulin-resistant diabetes) in an effort to reduce cardiovascular disease.
What Are the Diabetes Risk Factors?
Common risk factors for diabetes include:
- Family history of diabetes (parents or siblings with diabetes)
- Overweight (a body mass index equal to or greater than 25)
- Habitual physical inactivity
- Race/ethnicity (including African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, and Pacific Islanders)
- History of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
- High blood pressure (equal to or greater than 140/90 in adults)
- Abnormal lipids: HDL cholesterol equal to or less than 35 mg/dL and/or a triglyceride level equal to or greater than 250 mg/dL
- History of gestational diabetes or delivery of a baby weighing more than nine pounds
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
What Test Is Used to Screen for Diabetes?
The fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) or the hemoglobin A1C test can be used for screening. Normal fasting blood glucose — or blood sugar — is between 70 and 100 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL for people who do not have diabetes. The standard diagnosis of diabetes is made when two separate blood tests show that your fasting blood glucose level is greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL. The hemoglobin A1c test (also called the glycated hemoglobin test or HbA1c), is an important diabetes blood test used to determine how well your diabetes is being controlled. This diabetes test provides an average of your blood sugar control over a six- to 12-week period and is used in conjunction with home blood sugar monitoring to make adjustments in your diabetes medicines. The HbA1c level can also be used to diagnose diabetes if a value of equal to or greater than 6.5% is found.
What if the Diabetes Screening Test Is Negative?
If the screening test for diabetes is negative, continue to have follow-up screening tests every three years or as recommended by your doctor. However, your doctor may do further screening tests for diabetes if they suspect that you have diabetes or prediabetes and your initial screening result is negative. In addition, you can lower your chances of getting diabetes by losing weight, keeping your blood pressure and lipids at normal levels, and exercising regularly.
What if the Diabetes Screening Test Is Positive?
If the screening test for diabetes is positive, you may need further testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Your provider may prescribe medication, along with a diet, regular exercise regimen, and lifestyle program, to help you manage your blood sugar and prevent serious problems.
Fresh Start Health Centers located at 212 East Third Street in Grayson is accepting new patients and would love to get you screened for Type 2 Diabetes. Call 606-225-8200 ext. 114 to set up an appointment to be screened. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
