Don't Blame It on the Cookie Monster
By: Chad Hudnall; Source: AARP Bulletin Date Posted: 2005-10-20 09:45:00-04:00
In 2003 the estimated number of Americans ages 40 to 74 with prediabetes suddenly doubled. The dramatic increase followed not a national cookie binge but a new look at the blood sugar levels considered likely to lead to type 2 diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association dropped the blood sugar range for prediabetes from 110-125 to 100-125 by the most common measure, a simple blood test after an overnight fast. This change alone, made because the test was missing too many potential diabetics, raised the estimated number of prediabetics from 20.1 million to 41 million for the 40-to-74 age group.
A second blood test, which is considered to be more accurate, requires a person to fast overnight and drink a glucose solution two hours before blood is drawn. On this test, a reading of 140-199 or higher is positive for prediabetes.
The condition is insidious. Other than a large waistline, symptoms are rare, although fatigue, extreme thirst or frequent urination can occur.
That’s why testing, covered by most health insurance and Medicare, is critical every one to three years, depending on overall health and medical history. Patients need to take the lead because doctors haven’t aggressively offered the tests.
“It’s important that physicians improve the screening process,” says Trevor Orchard, M.D., professor at the University of Pittsburgh. “I don’t think we’re doing a good job yet, but we’re getting there.”
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