Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes

There are 54 million people in the United States who have pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes means a person’s blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Pre-diabetes usually occurs before the diagnosis of diabetes. But, people with pre-diabetes may not have any symtpoms, and often are unaware that their blood sugar is running a little higher than normal.

Diabetes affects more than 20 million Americans and about 6 million of those are unaware that they have diabetes. Diabetes is a disese that if not treated, can cause many serious health problems.

Those at Risk:

• African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders are higher risk for developing diabetes.
• Overweight people
• Age 45 and over
• High blood pressure
• Relative with diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Inactive lifestyle

People who have pre-diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes. They are also more likely to have heart changes occurring. These changes, if not treated, may develop into heart disease. The good news is that people with pre-diabetes can delay or prevent diabetes.

• Have blood tested for sugar levels. Lose a few pounds.
• Increase daily activity/exercise.

Pohick’s next Blood Drive will be March 11. Regular donors, please donate at one of the local donor sites during the holidays. Be sure to mention that the donation is from Pohick Church.