Currently, about 18.2 million Americans have diabetes. Individuals with type 2 diabetes make up 92 percent of this figure. And, of this group, about 1/3, or 5.9 million, are unaware that they have type 2 diabetes.

Approximately 41 million adults have what is known as pre-diabetes. Their blood glucose levels are higher than normal – sufficient to cause cellular damage and metabolic disturbances – but not yet high enough for a full diagnosis of diabetes. These individuals are at extreme risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes within 10 years, unless their condition is diagnosed and they take preventive action.

Unfortunately, many people with both pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes do not feel any symptoms and therefore, fail to seek treatment. As a result, their condition often progresses for six, seven, or more years as uncontrolled blood glucose levels set the stage for long term microcellular damage (especially to the heart and circulatory system). This long delay may be one reason that, once diabetes is diagnosed, it is so difficult to manage and treat.

On a positive note, during the past decade medical research has made enormous progress in understanding diabetes, its evolution, and progression. We now understand that to prevent diabetes, early and accurate identification of the pre-diabetic profile is required. The critical factor is frequent screening; at least annually for most people. Screening for diabetes is easy. It requires fasting for at least eight hours and a blood test to measure blood glucose level.

Early identification of pre-diabetic glucose abnormalities makes it possible to halt and even reverse its progression and prevent type 2 diabetes. If pre-diabetes is recognized early even small lifestyle changes, like losing a small amount of weight, have been shown to make significant differences. In fact, simply adding 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise four or five days a week can improve metabolic function significantly. There are also new medications available that can improve glucose metabolism and delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

FOH’s Occupational Health Centers provide a variety of services for Federal employees at participating agencies. Federal employees can receive health screenings, including blood tests to screen for both cholesterol and glucose free of charge. Health center nurses will also schedule individualized counseling to explain results and discuss preventive strategies.

Contact your nearest FOH Occupational Health Center to learn more.