I don't understand why so many
professionals in the medical community and patients are whining about
the prediabetes initiative promoted by the ADA, the American Medical
Association (AMA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). Yet, in the July 11 issue of the Wall Street Journal, we have
something laid out for us. Sensationalized? Yes! Still this
reflects some of what I have heard. The biggest fallacy in the
article is saying at the top that it is the government that is
promoting this, when the CDC was the only government agency involved
with the initiative.
The doctors quoted in the article say
this screening of millions of people risks over diagnosis of the
condition and could cause needless fears. Then the article starts
out by explaining was a woman says, “Honestly, I wish I didn’t
know. I mean for me, because I’m healthy, there’s not much I can
do besides have the stress in my head. Every time I eat something
now I’m worried.”
The article uses “experts” to say
prediabetes, or blood-sugar levels that are higher than normal, but
not high enough to qualify as diabetes, is often best left
undiagnosed.
It is known that more than 1 in 3
adults in the U.S. have prediabetes, 90 percent of whom aren't aware
of it. Without intervention, between 15% and 30% of these people
will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.
This is probably one of the few times I
will ever agree with Dr. Robert Ratner when he says, “What is the
impact of telling somebody you have prediabetes and an increased risk
of diabetes? Number one, you get their attention and get them to pay
attention to their lifestyle. What’s the downside of a better
lifestyle?”
Then the article turns to the “experts”
who say the bar is set too low on what level of blood sugar should
define prediabetes. Moreover, the number of people with the condition
who will develop Type 2 diabetes is far lower than the 30%.
“Most people with prediabetes have
blood-sugar levels at the low end of the range - between 5.7% and
6.0%, says the Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Montori. Studies show only about
5% of people with A1C levels of 5.7% or 5.8% will progress to Type 2
diabetes within five years, and very few progress after that, he
says.”
Nit picking is my answer, as this says
nothing about the rest between 6.0% and 6.5% that he leaves out.
“Stop worrying. Don’t worry
below 6” on the A1C scale, says Dr. Richard Kahn, a professor of
medicine at the University of North Carolina. He says he suggests
people who are overweight or obese to lose weight, not just those
with prediabetes.”
Then in the comments section, you need
to exclude those that complain about the actions of the government
and go ballistic about this. I will quote two comments I found that
speak for many.
Quote: First - Most
Doctors/patients think of Disease as an All or none phenomenon. A
significant number of people already have Heart blockage by the time
they are diagnosed technically with Diabetes. We do not develop High
BP or Diabetes (or even cancer) overnight. Our BP/Sugar level rises
in fits/starts, in most but not all instances, over several years
(maybe as long as 10 years). The damage to our various organs
similarly occurs over this time period long before the "Official
Diagnosis". Of course, medicines are not indicated during this
period. However, lifestyle changes, incl healthier eating
habits/exercise/stop smoking etc., can help delay/prevent
Diabetes/Hypertension and Heart disease. Personally, I would like to
know if I have Prediabetes; then I have the choice of ignoring it or
taking actions to prevent Diabetes.
Second - I do not understand not
wanting to improve your health and preventing vs treating. 5 years
ago I was approaching pre-diabetes. At advice of my Mayo MD I joined
the Y, enrolled in the Diabetes Prevention Program, lost 50 lbs which
I have kept off, learned a lot about nutrition. I am an advocate for
that program & have urged many to enroll, & been a poster
child for them with my success.. I was somewhat healthy before, now
I am better than ever & often thought to be far younger than my
71 years age. Most people who are overweight are walking time bombs,
why not get healthier, it takes work, but so worth it. Yes, a
lifestyle change, not a diet. Unquote
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