Bret Scher, MD FACC writes:
"Current estimates suggest 8.8% of the global population has diabetes; 95% of cases are type 2 diabetes. This comes at an estimated cost of $1.3 trillion. A number that high is almost incomprehensible in terms of what it means to individual societies, but it is clear we need better preventive strategies to combat this global epidemic.
A new study out of Japan suggests we can determine who is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes ten years before the actual diagnosis. They followed over 27,000 people for up to eleven years and compared their blood glucose (BG) levels and insulin sensitivity (IS) scores. Those who eventually developed diabetes showed changes in their BG and IS ten years prior, with a gradual worsening until one year prior to the diagnosis at which point there was a sharp rise in BG and decline in IS.
On the one hand, this isn’t all that surprising. We should all know that someone doesn’t just wake up with type 2 diabetes. It takes time to develop.
On the other hand, this study is likely the first to quantify just how early we can start to see metabolic alterations leading to type 2 diabetes. Given the dramatic rise in adults and teens with DM2, this provides insight into an earlier window for intervention and prevention.
Will this new information help us inform people of their risk for type 2 diabetes and convince them of the importance of healthy lifestyles?
I sure hope so.
It would be nice to think that we would all lead a healthy lifestyle, but clearly, that is not the case. Change is hard. Sometimes people need extra motivation. I hope this trial can help serve as part of that motivation for individuals.
In addition, I hope this study will remind healthcare providers that although we have a wide window to initiate preventive measures, we can’t prevent type 2 diabetes if we don’t recognize those at risk. A patient and his/her healthcare provider can no longer ignore fasting BG of 103 as being “not that bad.” Instead, we have to interpret that score as being “on the spectrum to type 2 diabetes.” That should trigger testing for insulin resistance and aggressive lifestyle modification with an appropriately designed low-carb diet.
18 comments:
wow
I had no idea of the scope
Interesting information.
Interesting article, thanks Jan.
This is interesting. If people knew before hand if they were going to become diabetic, they may start making healthier changes in their lives.
Lifestyle changes are SO hard to make. Hope this helps someone.
Very interesting and eye opening.
Tina
Very important information. Valerie
Prevention is by far the better path.
That is a considerable portion of the population.
Thank you for diabetics, cheers Jan.
Great information, that is a significant study. I am sure I am at risk! Changing your lifestyle and eating habits, it is so important!!!
Very helpful and informative!
~Jess
Me encantan tus reportajes son muy interesantes. Saludos.
This is such an interesting article, very helpful - thank you for sharing x
Teresa said:
Me encantan tus reportajes son muy interesantes. Saludos.
Google translate:
I love your stories are very interesting. Best regards.
This is very important information! Thanks Jan!
Interesting, maybe I will luck out and not get it like my brother, I have had very good results on all my tests over the years
Thanks so much for the information! I think it is so important to know about diabetes. We have a family history of it so I try to be very careful about diet and exercise!
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