Issue 28.15
In the past decade, cases of diabetes have skyrocketed. Having diabetes puts us at a greater risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure. FACT: more than one out of three people in this country have abnormally high blood sugar that signals prediabetes. Diabetes is very common in people 65+ years with the highest rate in patients 70-79 years old. Diabetes can be further expected to rise due to an increase (due to obesity and aging of the general population), better screening and increased life expectancy of the diabetic patients.
Does eating to much sugar then cause diabetes? It’s not that simple but what is known: Genes are partly to blame: type 2 diabetes tends to run in families and affects certain ethnic groups more than others. Getting older and being inactive bumps up the risk. Experts agree that too much belly fat, especially around the waist, contributes to diabetes. Eating too much things with sugary stuff like sodas, candy, cookies, white bread, rice and pasta all contribute to belly fat (or simple carbohydrates). Foods such as whole grains and certain veggies (complex carbohydrates) can be helpful. Other experts say overall calories and high dietary fat may also contribute to insulin resistance. Due to the fact diabetes is a complex disease you just can’t blame it on eating too much sugar.
In the prediabetes phase of this disease most people have no symptoms. Common warning signs, which most people recognize and begin to complain about are being really thirsty and having to pee all the time. But the classic red flags typically show up only after a lot of damage has been done.
A blood test is the only way to determine if you have this disease. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends get a glucose test if you are overweight and/or have a risk factor such as family history, sedentary lifestyle or heart disease. Otherwise if you are over 45 you should be tested about every three years. Consult with your Doctor for their recommendations.
The ADA began recommending “A1C” blood test in 2010. This determines your average blood sugar over the past 3 months and doesn’t require a patient to be fasting for hours prior. Depending on your results of this test, i.e. between 5.7 and 6.4 % indicates prediabetes, 6.5% or higher means you have diabetes. As this number goes up, so does your risk. (The A1C test isn’t accurate during pregnancy or soon thereafter, a fasting blood glucose is recommended). A fasting blood glucose test is a less expensive option; you are required refrain from eating 8 hours prior. Results of this test of 100 to 14 mg/dL is considered prediabetes and 126 mg/dL or higher usually means you have diabetes. Always consult with your doctor about these tests and results.
Chrysalis Clinical Research and several doctors in this area are conducting a clinical trial for a new treatment in diabetes for patients 65 years and up. If you would like more information on this trial and to see if you qualify, please contact Chrysalis Clinical Research at 435 656 1704. There is no charge for this service and you may be compensated for your participation, meet with a dietitician, medical care and medication at no cost to you.