Diabetes is well on its way to becoming the new ‘norm,’ since it’s estimated that 1 in 3 million American adults will have diabetes by 2050. It kills more people in our nation than Breast Cancer and AIDS combined.

If you are having lunch with two other people today, look to your left, then look to your right. One of the three of you has pre-diabetes.

On Tuesday, March 25, the American Diabetes Association celebrates its 25th annual Alert Day. Alert Day, which is recognized the fourth Tuesday in March each year, is a one-day “wake-up call” encouraging Americans to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Why is there such a concern that people be in the know about their diabetes state? Diabetes can reside within us without obvious symptoms. There are an estimated 79 million, or one in three American adults, walking around with pre-diabetes. There are approximately 26 million Americans with diabetes, but about 7 million aren’t even aware that they have it.

Unfortunately diagnosis often comes seven to 10 years after the onset of the disease, allowing complications time to develop. Early diagnosis is critical.

Pre-diabetes is what may have been referred to in the past as “a touch of sugar” or having “borderline” diabetes. There is no such thing as borderline diabetes — either you have it or you don’t.

Pre-diabetes is having blood glucose (sugar) that is higher than normal, but not high enough to meet the criteria to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. This state of pre-diabetes indicates a relatively high risk for developing diabetes.

What can you do to prevent diabetes or even reverse Type II diabetes?
– adopt a paleo diet with less grains, and minimal fruits
– stop sugary drinks, including fruit juices.  switch to unsweetened flavored water
– start exercising to build more muscle
–  look for  sugar alternatives, such as stevia, yacon and coconut sugar.

Take a few moments for yourself this week to take the Diabetes risk Test to find out if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If your results show you are at high risk, see your health care provider and start creating new habits to make the lifestyle changes necessary to lessen your odds of contracting the disease.

To take the test, click here:
http://www.stopdiabetes.com/get-the-facts/risk-test.html

In great health,
Dr. Sanda

To discuss new habits and lifestyle changes with an award-winning periodontist and nutritionist contact Dr. Sanda Moldovan to schedule a consultation.