January 2004

Signs of Diabetes and PreDiabetes (Metabolic Syndrome)

The average adult American spends $3000 per year on healthcare and if that person becomes diabetic it jumps to $14,000!!! Let’s work on saving this $11,000 with diagnosis, treatment, reversing it, and best yet……preventing it.  18 million Americans suffer from diabetes (17 million type 2, One million type 1) however, about 1/3 of Type 2’s don’t know they have it.  It is estimated that 20 million Americans are pre-diabetic along with 1/3 of children 10 years old! This is an epidemic. Health care costs are going to skyrocket along with our loved ones having a pathetic quality of life if they do not take care of themselves.  Diabetes is diagnosed when a fasting (no food for over 12 hours) blood sugar is over 126. “Borderline” is a blood sugar reading of 111-125. Anything under 110 is considered good; however the American Diabetic Association is pushing for tighter control (fewer side effects) of under 100 starting January 2004. I agree with them. See your doctor to get your labs done this year.  It is also important to get tested if you notice any of these warning signs: 1. Frequent urination- especially at night 2. Blurred vision 3. Increased thirst 4. Unusual hunger 5. Unexplained weight loss 6. Sores that do not heal 7. Unusual fatigue Signs of Pre-diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome 1. Waist measurements over 40 inches for adult men     and over 35 inches for adult women 2. Fasting Triglycerides over 150 3. HDL (Hero cholesterol- the good stuff) under 40 for men     and under 50 for women. 4. Blood Pressure over 130/85 (Normal is 120/80) 5. Fasting glucose over 110 Other things you won’t see are unless special labs are drawn are increased insulin levels and increase blood clotting factors. CATCH IT NOW!!!!!