Broader Diabetes Screenings Urged And Post-Stroke Monitoring

Broader Screenings for Diabetes Urged by U.S. Task Force
Every American over the age of 45 should be screened for both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, the common condition of having blood glucose levels higher than normal, a U.S. task force has recommended.

The number of Americans diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically over the past two decades, nearly at the same pace as the obesity epidemic.

In 2012, 12 percent of adults had diabetes and 37 percent had pre-diabetes, a condition that makes it much likelier for an individual to develop full-blown diabetes — unless key lifestyle changes are made, such as adopting a healthier diet and starting a regular exercise program.

The proposed plan by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is not final until after the task force accepts public comment on the issue.  The American Medical Association has already endorsed the task force’s early screening recommendation.

“Research shows that there are effective lifestyle change programs including proven diabetes prevention programs that can help patients with prediabetes avoid the onset of type 2 diabetes and its associated poor health outcomes,” said Robert M. Wah, M.D., president of the American Medical Association.

Here are blog articles covering diabetes and pre-diabetes:

• 1 in 3: Could You Be Prediabetic?
• Diabetes Risk Rises to 40%, CDC Says
• Added Sugars Amount to More Heart Risks
• Getting the Facts About Diabetes
  — John Fernandez

  Close Monitoring for 5 Years After a Stroke is Critical

  Similar to the five-year mark for breast cancer patients, closely watching stroke patients during the first five years after the event is proving beneficial, say Canadian researchers.

  The study presented at the Canadian Stroke Congress in Vancouver this week was based on data from 24,000 patients who had a mini-stroke.  Findings indicate these patients remain at higher risk for death, and additional strokes. In the U.S., the stroke recurrence rate within five years is estimated to be 25-40 percent, according to the National Stroke Association.

  These insights support the importance of stroke prevention, whether for a first-time or secondary event.

  Prevention guidelines and other noteworthy information about stroke that have been covered in this blog include:

• Knowing the Facts About Strokes Can Save Lives
• Telestroke Improves Time-Sensitive Care
• New Stroke Guidelines for Women
  –Tanya Walton

  How Long Will We Live? U.S. Longevity at New High

  If you have a child who was born in 2012, he or she is expected, on average, to live to 78 years old – an all-time high. And their chance of dying from one of the top 10 major causes of death in the U.S. may be lower, as nearly all of the 10 leading causes declined in 2011-2012.

  These are some of the findings from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report: Mortality in the United States, 2012.

  This blog has detailed several ways to live longer and healthier, even when faced with a chronic disease.  Read about them:

• Top 5 Steps to Healthy Aging
• Living Longer, Living Healthier With Major Illnesses
• ‘Too Much Sitting’ Linked to Disabilities after Age 60
• 50 Years Later: Anti-Smoking Campaign Still Saving Lives
• New Guidelines for Heart Disease, Stroke PreventionCancer Rates Going Down
  –Tanya Walton