Nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes, and about 28 percent of them are undiagnosed, according to the American Diabetes Association. Having diabetes puts you at risk for several other health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Knowing your risk factors for diabetes can help you live a healthier life.
There are three ways to screen for prediabetes—a fasting blood glucose (FBG), an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which is a two-hour oral glucose test, and a hemoglobin A1c test, which provides the average level of blood glucose, over the past 3 months.
Normal Test Result Values
- FBG: Less than 100 mg/dl
- OGTT two-hour: Less than 140 mg/dl
- A1c: Less than 5.7 percent
Prediabetes Test Result Values
- FBG: 100-125 mg/dl FBG
- OGTT two-hour: 141—199 mg/dl
- A1c: 5.7 percent to 6.4 percent
Diabetes Test Result Values
- FBG: 126 mg/dl
- OGTT two-hour: > 200 mg/dl
- A1c: 6.5 percent or more
Learn if you’re at-risk for diabetes by ordering a $15 Diabetic Profile from Riverview Health Direct Access Laboratory Testing.
There are many myths about diabetes that make it difficult for individuals to believe some of the hard facts—such as diabetes is a serious and potentially deadly disease. These myths can create a picture of diabetes that’s inaccurate and full of stereotypes and stigmas.
Myth: Eating too much sugar can cause diabetes.
Truth: Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease, and Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.
Myth: Individuals with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods.
Truth: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy diet for anyone—low in saturated and trans fat, moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fruit.
Myth: Individuals with diabetes can’t eat sweets or chocolate.
Truth: If sweets are eaten as part of a healthy meal plan or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten.
Myth: If you start insulin, it means you’re failing to take care of your diabetes.
Truth: Diabetes is a progressive disease. Over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin, and eventually oral medications may not be enough to keep blood glucose levels normal. Using insulin to get blood glucose levels to a healthy level is a good thing. Losing weight, exercise and eating healthy can lower your risk for diabetes.
It’s possible to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. Stay at a healthy weight, eat well and be active. With these steps, you can stay healthier longer and lower your risk of diabetes.
You can learn about our services, specialties and doctors at Noblesville Diabetes & Endocrinology and Internal Medicine.
Do you or does someone you know have diabetes? Get some support with our Diabetes Self-Management Program or at our Noblesville Diabetes Support Group.