Did you know that according to the American Diabetes Association, “the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2017 is $327 billion, including $237 billion in direct medical costs and $90 billion in reduced productivity?” And that 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes in the USA?
Prediabetes is when an individual’s blood glucose (sugar) level is elevated more than normal, yet not high enough for it to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. This precursor can lead to diabetes. The population of adults aged 65 years and older with prediabetes is now over 23 million. To view the National Diabetes Statistics report click now.
July is a great month to focus on making strides to implement necessary lifestyle changes in order to prevent the onset of diabetes. You can initiate dialogue with your healthcare provider about possible recommended lifestyle changes such as:
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- Getting physically active (at least 150 minutes per week recommended)
- Managing body weight
- Quit smoking
- Incorporating healthier foods/meals into daily regimen
Health care providers are educating patient communities to bring awareness to how prediabetes and diabetes diagnoses impact population health. With a focus on how to implement positive changes and address barriers that may impact actions.
Diabetes depends on individual self-care. With this in mind, The Physician Alliance created self-management forms along with action plans to help diabetic patients monitor their daily activities and commit to following recommended steps.
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Get a head start now to commit to adding healthier activities into your day to be proactive in preventing diabetes. These actions can help lead to less healthcare dollars spent on this disease in the long run. To see the impact that diabetes has on our nation, download the Staggering Costs of diabetes PDF. You can also download The Physician Alliance diabetes self- management form here.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information or if you have a medical concern.
Sources: American Diabetes Association, Centers for Disease Control
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