Do You Have a Family History Of Diabetes?
Sound The Alarm About The Prevalence of Diabetes Type 2
American Diabetes Alert Day serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of knowing our risk for developing diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in three American adults have prediabetes, and most of them are unaware of it. Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March by the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day “wake-up call” that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk.
We encourage you to find out if you—or someone you love—are at risk for type 2 diabetes by taking this quick and simple CDC prediabetes test.
Prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated, but the good news is that it can be reversed or prevented with lifestyle changes.
We have noted the main risk factors for Type 2 diabetes below:
- Obesity – Obesity is the number one risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes.
- Genetics – If there is a family history of Type 2 diabetes, your chances increase.
- Race and Ethnicity – Being African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or Asian American can increase your risk.
- Pregnancy and gestational diabetes – If you developed gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, you are more at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Age – Although children can develop Type 2 diabetes, those over 45 have the highest risk.
- Gender — Men are twice as likely to have undiagnosed diabetes as women.
- Other health issues — If you have high blood pressure, your risk doubles.
- Sedentary lifestyle — Stay active and you can decrease your risk by 30 percent.
Diabetes Prevention and Management
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is one way to assist with diabetes prevention and management. Direct Primary Care is a healthcare model in which patients pay a monthly or annual fee to have access to primary care services. At Exemplar Care, our primary care providers are able to spend more time with our members, providing personalized care that is tailored to the individual’s needs. This extra time and attention can be especially valuable for patients with prediabetes or diabetes.
One of the most important aspects of diabetes prevention is lifestyle changes. Patients with prediabetes can often reverse the condition by making healthy changes to their diet and increasing physical activity. Exemplar Care primary care providers can work with patients to develop a personalized nutrition plan that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences. They can also provide guidance and support to help patients increase their physical activity and make other lifestyle changes that can reduce their risk of developing diabetes.
Another benefit of the Exemplar Care model is that we are often able to provide more affordable care than traditional insurance-based models. (See plan options). This can be especially important for patients with diabetes, who may require frequent appointments and medications. Our membership allows for unlimited primary and urgent care visits with increased accessibility to providers, making it easier for patients to access the care they need.
If you or someone you love is at risk for diabetes or has been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, consider working with an Exemplar Care provider.
With personalized care and support, our DPC providers can help you manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of complications.
Learn how Exemplar Care actively managed one of our member’s diabetes here: Ken’s Story
