Metabolic Syndrome is
a prevalent and powerful risk factor for type 2
diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. It is well
recognized that the clustering of risks are highly prevalent in our affluent, sedentary populations. Addressing
these risks has always been Heart Screen’s focus for corporate
wellness programs.
This used to
be a problem of later life but it is now being
seen more and more among obese younger people,
sometimes even children.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), rates of type 2, or adult
onset, diabetes have tripled in the last 30
years. This is due largely to the global
epidemic of obesity, a major risk factor for
developing type 2 diabetes.
Obesity
has become the most common chronic disease of
the present day.
The list of
complications associated with diabetes is what
we should be worried about.
Diabetes
is a debilitating disease, which leaves
sufferers at greater risk of heart disease,
circulatory problems, and hypertension.
-
Eighty per cent of type 2
diabetics are obese.
-
Diabesity is today the most common form of
type 2 diabetes.
-
Overweight and obesity are
predictors of type 2 diabetes
-
Diabetes is
another controllable risk factor for heart
disease.
-
People with fat collected
around the waist are most likely to become
insulin resistant. [Even
some quite skinny men who have pot bellies
may develop diabetes]
-
The increase
in the prevalence of type 2
diabetes
or 'diabesity' among children is of
particular concern. [childhood
prevalence of overweight and obesity is
doubling]
Many
people are unaware that they have diabetes or
are afraid to find out.
Knowing
about it can keep it in control.
Prevention is the
priority
Testing for diabetes should be considered in
adults
-
at age 40 and
above or younger if at risk
-
those who are
considered higher risk
-- those who
are obese
-- have a
family history of diabetes
-- are
hypertensive
-- have a low
HDL
-- are
pregnant
-- and also
high-risk ethnic groups (Blacks,
Afro-Americans and Black-Hispanics, Native
Americans and Asians.)
Testing is Simple.
-
Fasting is not
necessary.
-
A simple
fingerstick is all it takes.
-
Results in 30
seconds
-
Latest NIH
guidelines
-
Educational
materials & counseling, always
Heart Screen's
Plan
Prevention,
through healthy eating and lifestyle is a Heart
Screen priority.
