6-9-09

Pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people, but it can be prevented.

About 57 million people in the U.S. have pre-diabetes – a type of high blood sugar that puts them at high risk of developing type-2 diabetes.  Dr. Romesh Khardori, professor and chief of endocrinology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, says that many people have pre-diabetes and do not know it.  He explains the condition.

SOUND BITE: “ . . .  pre-diabetes is a condition which is considered to be a pre-cursor to diabetes. Usually people will have high blood sugars before breakfast that are sort of called fasting sugars, generally less than 126 milligrams, but more than 100.  Or they may have levels which are considered to be in the impaired glucose tolerance range when we do a standard 12-hour glucose tolerance test.”

Dr. Khardori says people who have pre-diabetes may already be experiencing adverse health effects of diabetes.  The condition
 can cause long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system.  He explains risk factors for the disease.

SOUND BITE: “ . . . Those who are more at risk would be somebody who had family members with diabetes, those who are overweight, those with high blood pressure, those with high cholesterol, women who have previously had diabetes during pregnancy, women who have had children born that were either underweight or overweight . . .” 

Dr. Khardori urges middle-age individuals to see their primary care physician and be tested for pre-diabetes.  He says those with pre-diabetes can lower their blood sugar by losing weight through exercise and eating a healthier diet that has more fruits and vegetables.

This is Ruth Slottag, SIU School of Medicine, in Springfield.